A spinal cord injury (SCI) can alter your life, potentially imposing significant financial burdens on you and your family.
The costs associated with spinal cord injuries extend far beyond your initial medical treatment. From short-term expenses to lifetime financial commitments, understanding the possible costs is crucial when filing an injury claim.
Short-term spinal cord injury costs
The immediate aftermath of spine damage introduces substantial medical expenses. Hospitalization, surgeries and trauma care can quickly accumulate, with costs varying based on injury severity.
High tetraplegia (affecting cervical spinal cord segments C1-C4) can result in first-year expenses exceeding $1 million. Rehabilitation and therapy add to the strain, with average costs reaching tens of thousands of dollars annually.
These short-term costs can be overwhelming without adequate insurance or financial resources.
Potential lifetime financial impact
The lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury depend on factors such as age at the time of injury and the level of neurological impairment. For a 25-year-old with high tetraplegia, lifetime expenses can exceed $4.7 million.
These figures include ongoing medical care, assistive devices, home modifications and personal care assistance. They do not account for indirect costs such as lost wages and reduced earning potential.
Planning for the future
While the financial implications of a spinal cord injury are shocking, legal guidance may offer a path forward. For those whose injuries result from negligence or misconduct, an Oregon personal injury claim can lead to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
Filing a claim with experienced assistance can help to ensure you receive the financial resources you need after a catastrophic spinal cord injury.