How to access specialist treatment for spinal, head or limb injuries

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 16, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

Do you qualify?
How much compensation could you get?
How does No Win, No Fee work?