A serious car accident can damage any part of your body, but a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be particularly devastating. In addition to the pain and emotional trauma of coping with such an injury, the cost of surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost income during recovery can be exorbitant.
Motor-vehicle wrecks are the leading cause of spinal injuries in our country, and about 94 percent of all collisions stem from preventable driver errors. If you or a loved one suffered an SCI in a crash with a negligent motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for your healthcare bills and other damages.
George R. Fusner Jr. is a car wreck lawyer in Nashville who can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim. Mr. Fusner will gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call 800-427-8960 or 615-251-0005 today to schedule a free consultation at the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr.
What Is the Expected Lifetime Cost of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can vary greatly from one person to the next. The location of the injury on the spine and its severity will ultimately determine the expected lifetime cost of medical care.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the first year of treatment for a minor loss of motor function costs about $347,484. Treatment for each subsequent year would cost about $42,206.
The expense is substantially higher for patients who suffer more severe SCIs. A person with high tetraplegia, for example, could expect to pay about $1 million during the first year of treatment and about $184,891 for each subsequent year. This does not include lost wages and miscellaneous costs.
Based on these numbers, a 25-year-old who is diagnosed with high tetraplegia would pay more than $9 million for medical treatment if he or she lives to age 70.
Let’s examine three reasons why medical care is so expensive for spinal cord injuries:
- The Spine Plays an Important Role in Multiple Systems within the Body
The nerves within your spinal cord send signals throughout your body, so an SCI can cause a wide range of chronic complications. In addition to any direct treatment for the spinal injury, the patient might also require treatment for respiratory issues, spasticity, cardiovascular problems, and bladder incontinence.
- Many People with SCI Need Live-in Caregivers
According to Caring.com, the cost of a live-in caregiver can range from about $700 to $3,000 per week. That adds up to a veritable fortune over a lifetime.
- Some Patients with SCI Require Specialized Surgeries
Even if a surgeon cannot restore a patient’s mobility, it may be necessary to perform specialized surgeries to stabilize the patient.
If you or a member of your family sustained an SCI in a crash with a negligent driver, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. Mr. Fusner has been a practicing attorney since 1977, and he has the knowledge, resources, and litigation experience to help you fight for the maximum settlement. He has served as the guardian of a severely brain injured child for over 12 years and knows what can happen and what it costs.
Call 800-427-8960 or 615-251-0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury attorney in Nashville. Mr. Fusner is happy to come to your home or the hospital if you are unable to come to his office. Visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about car accident claims in Tennessee.
