What Are the Long-Term Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury?

 Posted on May 17, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

A spinal cord injury is generally considered a catastrophic injury, as these injuries greatly impact the way a person can live his or her life. In many cases, total recovery from a spinal cord injury may not be possible, and the medical bills associated with treating and managing a spinal cord injury are often extensive.

Understanding the expected long-term costs and expenses associated with a spinal cord injury is important if you wish to pursue a claim against the responsible party or parties for your injury. A skilled Illinois spinal cord injury attorney can help you further explore your options.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord is the part of the human body that sends and receives signals from the brain to the other body parts. A spinal cord injury is an injury that damages any part of the spinal cord, interrupting its function.

This type of injury is typically considered catastrophic, as injuries to the spinal cord can cause changes in a person’s strength or feeling and how his or her body functions at or below the sight of the injury. Paralysis in some parts of the body after a spinal cord injury is often encountered. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, sports or recreational accidents, workplace accidents, and acts of violence.

What Are the Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The exact costs of treating a spinal cord injury vary depending on the severity of the injury and other important factors, such as the patient’s age, overall health before the injury, and the medical treatments available for a specific spinal cord injury.

Expenses that are related to a spinal cord injury include:

• Specialist medical care, such as the care of surgeons or neurologists
• Surgeries to restore nerve function as possible or prevent further injury
• Physical and occupational therapy
• The cost of stays in a hospital or a rehabilitation center
• Home care and live-in nurse costs
• Medical or adaptive equipment expenses, such as wheelchairs
• Medications
• Ongoing mental health therapy
• Modifications to the patient’s home or vehicle

Studies into the costs of long-term treatment and care for a spinal cord injury suggest that expenses may range from several thousands of dollars to millions of dollars over a person’s lifetime.

Contact a Barrington, IL Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries are life-changing, and you might be able to pursue compensation to help cover the expenses related to treating your injury. Contacting a Barrington, IL spinal cord injury attorney is essential to understanding the types of compensation you may be eligible for.

At Lucas Law, Attorney Joseph Lucas has practiced in Illinois for more than 35 years, and he is dedicated to understanding the impact spinal cord injuries have on his clients in addition to pursuing the maximum compensation possible for this type of injury. Contact 847-381-8700 for a free consultation.