The costs associated with a permanent spinal cord injury

The costs associated with a permanent spinal cord injury
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Nov 28, 2014
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury , you may be wondering what the long-term financial repercussions could be that are associated with this type of injury. Of course, these numbers will vary greatly from person-to-person. This is largely due to the severity of the individual injury. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center has put together a financial chart of what one could realistically expect to incur cost-wise due to a permanent spinal cord injury.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the long-term costs of a spinal cord injury resulting in some level of paralysis are significant. For instance, if a person suffers even some level of paralysis, that person will incur on average $342,112 for their first year medical expenses. Each subsequent year will average an additional $41,554 in medical expenses. These expenses apply to entry level paralysis cases- not paraplegia or quadriplegia.

For those victims who suffer from paraplegia or quadriplegia, the costs are nearly double or more. For example, the first year medical costs for a paraplegic are roughly $510,833 with each year costing an additional $67,677 in medical expenses. This is no small amount of money. Remember, these are costs associated with medical expenses alone. It doesn’t take into account lost wages due to the disability or other costs that may be associated with this type of disability.

As the evidence clearly states, paralysis is a serious medical condition that can take a toll on one’s finances. Many are never prepared for a financial responsibility such as this. Remember that each case is different and sometimes short-term paralysis can be rehabilitated to some degree. This will happen and be diagnosed on a case by case basis with a medical professional.

Source: nscisc.uab.edu, ” Spinal Cord Facts and Figures at a Glance ,” Accessed Nov. 24, 2014