Whether you are the victim of a motor vehicle accident or a slip and fall, spinal cord injuries are a small but devastating risk. These types of injuries often have long-lasting or even permanent life changes.
You might think of the hospital bills, but it is good to have an idea of what other costs may incur as a result of your SCI.
Financial costs
After a severe SCI, you may find yourself in the emergency room for critical surgery and staying at the hospital while you recover. This alone racks up a lot of costs, but the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center breaks down the average first year and subsequent year costs based on the injuries:
- Motor function loss: $375,196 for the first year and $45,572/year after
- Paraplegia: $560,287 for the first year and $74,221/year after
- Low tetraplegia: $830,708 for the first year and $122,468/year after
- High tetraplegia: $1.14 million for the first year and $199,637/year after
Physical costs
SCIs risk nerve damage throughout the body. It is the core of your central nervous system spreading down from the brain and out from the spinal column. Depending on whether your injury is complete or incomplete, you may suffer full paralysis or partial numbness and tingling respectively.
Emotional costs
Depression and other emotional symptoms may arise as a result of your SCI on account of the immense changes and limitations because of it. It might mean the end of a career or a change in your relationship dynamics.
SCIs impact your life in more ways than one. Neck injuries in particular may pose wide-sweeping implications and restrictions on your former normal lifestyle. If your case involves negligence, you may not have to shoulder the costs alone. Researching further may help you know what to expect out of a personal injury claim.