Brain injury research offers insight into survivors’ views on benefits system
Brain injury charity, Headway has partnered with Thompsons Solicitors to develop an infographic to help provide insight into the experiences of brain injury survivors and their families of navigating the welfare benefits system.
The infographic (pictured and available to download below) is based on feedback from a focus group held at Headway’s annual ‘The Way Ahead Conference’, which took place on 03 – 05 July 2015 in Staffordshire. The feedback suggests that brain injury survivors often find the benefits assessment process difficult and that few benefits assessors have knowledge of the issues brain injury survivors face.
The findings of the focus group support previous research conducted by Headway earlier this year that showed 81% of people believed that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) did not take brain injury into account, and only 25% of respondents felt that they were treated fairly.
Paul Brown, a senior serious injury solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors and secretary for Headway Wearside, said: “Welfare support is a fundamental right however the infographic and research suggests the ability to obtain benefits post injury is a challenge for many brain injury survivors. While we strive to ensure our clients receive the compensation they require to ensure that their immediate and long-term needs are met, it is also vital that the welfare system supports brain injury survivors.
“In most cases a brain injury can prove to be life-changing and individuals may require adaptations to their home or car and they may not be able to work because of their injury. Welfare assessments need to take into account cognitive and physical disabilities to ensure that brain injury survivors are provided with the proper support they require.”
Looking for legal advice following serious injury? Chat to one of our specialists today.
We will move swiftly to support you or your loved one to build a case for compensation after catastrophic injury. Our priority is to establish the facts and apply for interim payments as quickly as possible to secure vital funds for treatment and rehabilitation. The aim is to get you, or your loved one, on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Our committed serious injury specialists secure millions of pounds in damages for seriously injured people each year and are supported by Client Support Coordinators and groups such as the Spinal Injuries Association, Headway and the Limbless Association, to signpost clients to sources of further aid.
If you, or someone you care about, has been catastrophically injured in the last three years contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation with a serious injury expert.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.