How to access specialist treatment for spinal, head or limb injuries
Updated: 3 Oct, 2025 By Chris Salmon
Serious workplace accidents can cause spinal injuries, head trauma or limb injuries that require complex, long-term treatment. Recovery often depends on access to the right specialists at the right time. This page explains how you can access specialist treatment and how the cost can be covered as part of an injury claim.
At a glance
- Specialist treatment is critical for serious injuries such as spinal damage, brain injury or limb fractures.
- Treatment may involve surgeons, neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists.
- The cost of specialist treatment can often be included in your injury claim.
- Early access to rehabilitation can improve long-term outcomes and independence.
- Funding may be arranged through the defendant’s insurer or by applying for interim payments.
Why specialist treatment matters
General medical care may not always be enough for complex or life-changing injuries. Specialist treatment ensures that:
- You get expert advice from consultants with experience in your type of injury.
- Your care plan covers physical, psychological and social aspects of recovery.
- You have access to modern therapies and surgical techniques not always available through general services. For more detail on treatment options, see the NHS guidance on spinal injuries.
Ask your GP about specialist rehab services and centres. Get referrals in writing and keep copies. Specialist care can speed recovery and the paperwork supports your claim.
Chris Salmon
Commercial Director
Work Accident Advice Centre
Examples of specialist treatment
- Spinal injuries: Surgery, spinal stabilisation, pain management and long-term physiotherapy.
- Head and brain injuries: Neuro-rehabilitation, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and counselling. See also NHS advice on head injury rehabilitation.
- Limb injuries: Orthopaedic surgery, prosthetics fitting, advanced physiotherapy and vocational rehabilitation.
How treatment is funded
If liability is accepted, the defendant’s insurer may agree to fund your treatment under the Rehabilitation Code. This can include private hospital care, therapy sessions and equipment. Your solicitor may also apply for an interim payment to cover urgent costs while the case is ongoing.
If liability is disputed, you may still choose to fund treatment yourself and seek reimbursement once your claim is settled, though this carries some financial risk.
you could claim
- Instant accurate calculation
- Shows true cost of making a claim
- Confirms your right to claim
Real-world example
A warehouse worker suffered a severe back injury after a fall. NHS physiotherapy was limited to a short course, but his solicitor secured insurer-funded specialist spinal rehabilitation at a private clinic. This included hydrotherapy, occupational therapy and pain management, which significantly improved his recovery and mobility.
What to do next
If you have suffered a serious injury, tell your solicitor about any treatment you have been offered and any gaps in your care. They can work with medical experts to assess your needs and negotiate with insurers to make sure you get the support you require. For general advice, see HSE guidance on rehabilitation and return to work.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- NHS: Spinal cord injury - provides information on treatment and rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries, including specialist care options.
- University Hospitals Sussex: Spinal cord injury - details specialist treatment and rehabilitation services for spinal injuries.
- HSE: Rehabilitation - offers guidance on workplace injury rehabilitation, including accessing specialist treatment for severe injuries.
- NHS: Brain tumours - includes information on specialist treatment for head injuries, relevant for recovery from workplace accidents.
