Decisions

[Paul Breen]

I would like to gain some opinion from you guys regarding a situation that I often encounter. I am constantly amazed by the way in which all of those affected by spinal injury choose their lawyer. Usually this is simply a call to whoever is advertising on TV or did some conveyancing for them!

If you were looking for a lawyer how would you find out what you need to know bearing in mind that it is unlikely that you would have spoken to an injury lawyer before, and even more unlikely that you would have spoken to a spinal specialist or be aware that they exist. It seems that many get great support from SIA and Aspire etc, but what about those who do not seek advice from these organisations, how can they be sure that they are making the correct decision?

I hope this post comes across in the way in which it was intended. I am always looking to increase my understanding of all issues and hopefully you can all be of help.

Thanks

Paul

[Gary Anderson]

Paul

Afraid I cannot answer this. When I was injured 19 years ago, I got very little assistance - either from the hospital or anyone else.

It was learned through trial and error.

My lawyer was recommended to me via someone else. At that time, I do not think there were such things as "spinal lawyers" if there were, then they were kept hidden!

My compo came from British Rail - take it or leave it. Again, at that time, nobody would have thought of fighting such a large organisation.

Alterations to the house, etc, were done for me by my then father in law who was a builder. We did not know then about social services or anyone else. I don't know about "SIA" or "Aspire" - 19 years ago, there were no computers so how did you even know that these organisations existed.

As for "making the correct decisions." I am not sure about that comment. I know folk even now who have accidents and just get on with it without lawyers or anyone else.

Now, 19 years on, I can say that I am happy with my lot. I was fortunate in that I have been able to work almost continuously since then - with my employers making allowances for my limited function. Had I my life to live over, I think I would do the same again. Indeed, I HAVE done just that. 2 years ago after an accident, my family decided to do it "our way" instead of causing even more friction in the family by involving lawyers, etc. To this day, I have not claimed against my brother in law's insurance. I am not prepared to reveal why on here but if you want to know I would be happy to email you to give my reasons.

In fact, until you came on here I have to say I did not realise that there were such lawyers as I have never seen an advert for one in Scotland. I also know that they are not offered to you in the National Spinal Unit here in Glasgow.

Whether these were the right or wrong decisions I do not know. 19 years ago, things like "Back Up" were not on the go so, how did the ordinary person know whether they could return to previous sports or not? I have formed my own path in life by trial and error. What I cannot do the way I did, I do differently. Fortunately, I was not a great sports person even before my accident so it is no hardship to me that I cannot ski or suchlike. I have to say I tried it but was not too keen on it.

Perhaps it is the spinal units that should be trained in such matters rather than the ordinary person in the street trying to find things that they perhaps dont know exist. For example, I did not know that this forum existed until by chance one day I was browsing the web. From my own experience, in the early days of my injury lawyers, help forums, etc. were the last thing on my mind. All I wanted were answers to my questions!!

[Paul Breen]

Thanks for the reply. You raise some very valid points. By correct decision I was referring to the correct decision for that person, which will obviously differ from person to person. Hope this is understood ok.

[Gary Anderson]

I have to admit Paul that my "decisions" were not made for me by me but by my family on my behalf to a certain extent. Due to the trauma of suffering spinal injury, my "future" was not big on my mind at that time.

I think a lot of folk here will ahve been the same. Their decisions will have been made by other people on their behalf. As I say, things are different now so I dont think I am the best person to comment on this topic.

[Catucci]

Hiya Paul

When my hubby was injured Aug 05 it was motorbike insurers (Bennets) who put forward the lawyer as we had legal assistance included in our insurance.  Luckily they were specialist spinal injury lawyers but unfortunately were unable to help us due to lack of evidence.

While Nico was in a very bad way when first admitted, there was a notice board in the spinal unit (at Pinderfields, Wakefield) where the same lawyers had pinned cards and info sheets which I thought was a good way to promote what they do.  You spend many a night pacing the ward and reading anything you think might help your loved one. 

Hope that helps some.

xx Cat xx