Hosted at Unite the Union’s regional headquarters, the event focused on the spinal injury journey from acute treatment and rehabilitation through to long-term care, independence, compensation, support for families and quality of life after serious injury. 

What did the spinal cord injury conference cover? 

The programme featured contributions from specialists in spinal rehabilitation, serious injury law, case management and support services. Sessions considered the medical, psychological, social and practical challenges faced by people living with spinal cord injury, including the importance of early rehabilitation, adapted accommodation, specialist equipment and long-term support. 

Delegates also saw a demonstration of an ExoAtlet exoskeleton, highlighting developments in rehabilitation technology and mobility support for people with spinal cord injuries. 

Why collaboration matters after a spinal cord injury 

A spinal cord injury can affect every part of a person’s life, including their health, work, home, family relationships and independence. The conference provided an opportunity for professionals from different disciplines to share knowledge, strengthen working relationships and consider how collaborative practice can improve outcomes for people affected by life-changing injuries. 

“This conference reflected the collaborative approach that is so important in supporting people affected by spinal cord injury. By bringing together experts from across the various sectors, we created an opportunity to share knowledge, challenge thinking and explore how we can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for injured people and their families. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.” — Samantha Hemsley, Head of Serious Injury at Thompsons Solicitors. 

How can legal support help after a spinal cord injury? 

Specialist spinal cord injury solicitors are key in helping injured people and their families access early rehabilitation, secure interim payments, adapt accommodation, recruit specialist care, take advantage of bespoke therapies and the most up to date  technologies/equipment. Where there is a legal claim getting early legal advice can be transformative in terms of long term outcomes. 

Who was the conference for? 

The conference was designed for professionals working with people affected by spinal cord injury, including clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, case managers, lawyers, charities, support organisations and trade union representatives. 

Continuing the conversation on spinal cord injury support 

Thompsons Solicitors thanks all speakers, delegates, partners and supporters who contributed to the conference. Further highlights and learning from the day will be shared in the coming weeks. 

As a campaigning law firm, Thompsons Solicitors remains committed to working with injured people, families, clinicians, rehabilitation professionals, charities and trade unions to improve understanding, strengthen support and help secure better outcomes for those whose lives have been devastated by spinal cord injury.