Spinal cord injuries induce fear in many people. Most people feel a strong negative reaction to the prospect of losing sensation and motor function in part of their bodies. People focus so much on the physical impacts of spinal cord injuries that they may not adequately consider the financial implications of a spinal cord injury.
Professionals classify spinal cord injuries as a type of catastrophic injury not just because of the medical challenges the condition generates but also because of the financial implications of the injury. There are multiple types of financial setbacks commonly associated with spinal cord injuries. The three expenses below can add up to millions of dollars in some cases.
Lifetime care costs
Spinal cord injuries usually generate astronomical medical expenses in the first year after the injury. Some people face seven-figure bills for their first year of care alone. They may then have tens of thousands of additional medical expenses every year for the rest of their lives. The lifetime care costs of spinal cord injuries depend on the location of the injury and the age of the injured person. However, people can expect the medical costs alone to go far beyond what baseline insurance covers.
Accommodation expenses
The functional limitations associated with spinal cord injuries change an individual’s daily life. They may not be able to live in an upstairs bedroom anymore, as they cannot navigate the stairs in their home. They may need to completely renovate their bathroom to make their shower safe and accessible. If they intend to continue driving, their vehicle may require expensive modifications. Even if they don’t plan to drive, the vehicles operated by their immediate family members or caregivers typically need adjustments to accommodate a wheelchair safely. The cost of modifying homes and vehicles can add up to tens of thousands of dollars and may recur repeatedly as people move or acquire new vehicles.
Lost earning potential
Catastrophic injuries typically have a chilling effect on income. People with major medical challenges may not be able to continue working in demanding careers. Even if they can keep their jobs, they may miss work for medical appointments or may no longer be able to aggressively pursue advancement opportunities. People may lose out on wages and benefits that could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more over the course of their working years.
Individuals adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury may need help estimating their losses and looking into their options for compensation, and that’s okay. Filing a personal injury lawsuit is often necessary when catastrophic injuries forever impact an individual’s life and finances.