A spinal cord injury (SCI) can profoundly affect a person’s relationships, career, and enjoyment in life. According to Mayo Clinic, motor-vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCIs in the United States, and the vast majority of collisions stem from driver errors.
No amount of money can undo the hardship of living with a spinal cord injury; however, if you or a loved one sustained a SCI in a crash with a drunk, distracted, or negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages by filing a personal injury claim.
If the accident occurred in Texas, contact the Robson Law Firm. Our legal team has been protecting the rights of the injured for more than 20 years. We will compassionately represent your interests and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 512-345-8200 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Austin.
What Is the Lifetime Cost of Treatment for a Spinal Cord Injury?
According to data published by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, a person who suffers a mild loss of motor function can expect to pay about $347,484 for the first year of medical treatment. The cost of treatment for each subsequent year will be approximately $42,206.
Of course, the expense is much higher for people who suffer more severe spinal injuries. A patient with high tetraplegia will pay approximately $1 million for the first year of medical care and $184,891 for each subsequent year. Based on these estimates, a person who suffers high tetraplegia at age 25 and lives to age 70 would pay more than $9 million for a lifetime of medical treatment. This does not include lost income.
Read on to learn three reasons why SCIs are so expensive to treat:
- SCIs Can Affect Multiple Systems within the Body
Your spinal cord is composed of nerves that send signals throughout your body. As such, a spinal injury can cause a range of chronic complications. Many of those complications require ongoing treatment; for example, according to the National Institutes of Health, a patient may need treatment for bladder incontinence, pressure ulcers, respiratory issues, cardiovascular complications, and spasticity.
- Some Patients with Spinal Injuries Require Live-in Caregivers
It is common for patients with SCIs to rely on live-in caregivers. The long-term cost of a caregiver can be exorbitant, ranging from $700 to $3,000 per week.
- Specialized Surgeries Are Often Necessary to Stabilize the Patient
Even if it is not possible to restore a patient’s mobility, specialized surgeries may still be necessary to stabilize the patient.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a collision with a negligent driver, you should not have to pay for healthcare bills, lost income, and other damages out of your own pocket. Turn to the Robson Law Firm to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
Our lawyers have a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation with an accident attorney in Austin.