Even a minor injury to the spine can have devastating consequences. Coping with impaired mobility can make every day feel like a struggle. In severe cases, a spinal cord injury (SCI) can affect the victim’s ability to earn an income and live independently.
Beyond the physical and psychological impacts of an SCI, the cost of healthcare can be exorbitant. In addition to surgeries and physical therapy, patients may need modifications to their homes and vehicles as well as mental health counseling. If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation for these and other costs.
To determine if you have grounds for a claim, contact LoTempio P.C. Law Group. Our attorneys have an extensive background in catastrophic injury cases. We can assess your situation for free and help you make informed decisions. Call 716-855-3761 to schedule a consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in New York.
Read on to learn about the lifetime cost of living with an SCI:
Estimated Annual Expenses & Lifetime Costs
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation reports that the direct cost of living with a spinal cord injury can range from approximately $42,000 to $184,000 annually. These figures include living expenses and the cost of medical care.
Naturally, treating more severe SCIs will cost more per year than treating mild to moderate spinal cord injuries. But in nearly all cases, the first year of treatment is the most expensive.
The figures mentioned above only apply after the patient’s condition has stabilized. In the 12 months immediately following the accident, the direct cost can range from $347,000 to $1 million or more.
The total lifetime cost of living with an SCI depends on the age of the victim when the injury occurred. If someone sustains a spinal injury at 25 years old, he or she can expect to spend anywhere from $1.5 million to almost $5 million on living expenses and medical care over the course of his or her lifetime. If someone sustains a spinal cord injury at 50 years old, on the other hand, he or she might spend between $1 million and $3 million on living expenses and medical care.
These figures do not account for indirect costs associated with sustaining a spinal cord injury, such as lost wages and benefits, lost productivity, and loss of earning capacity. On average, these amount to about $70,000 per year.
Discuss Your Case with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in New York
If your family is struggling financially in the wake of an accident that left you or a loved one paralyzed, turn to LoTempio P.C. Law Group. Our highly experienced attorneys are well-versed in the statutes, case law, and procedures pertaining to catastrophic injury claims. Call 716-855-3761 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New York.