The Cost of Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

The Financial Reality of Spinal Cord Injuries

The cost of living with a spinal cord injury varies significantly depending on the severity of the injury, the level of care required, and the country’s healthcare system. However, one constant is the high price of medical care and rehabilitation. Initial costs include emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, and early rehabilitation. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the first year after an SCI can cost between $359,000 to over $1 million, with each subsequent year costing between $42,000 to $185,000 for care, depending on the injury’s severity.

Breaking Down the Costs

1. Medical Expenses: Beyond initial treatments, individuals with SCI may require ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and regular check-ups. The cost of prescription medications to manage pain, prevent infections, and address other health concerns can also add up quickly.
2. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation services are crucial for maximizing an individual’s functional recovery. This can include intensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and specialized rehabilitation programs, all with significant costs.
3. Home Modifications: Adapting a home to be wheelchair-accessible often involves substantial renovations. Modifications include ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, and lowered kitchen counters.
4. Adaptive Equipment: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, vehicle modifications, and other adaptive equipment are necessary for many people living with SCI and require substantial investment.
5. Personal Care Assistance: Many individuals with severe SCIs need daily support from personal care assistants for activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and moving from one place to another.
6. Loss of Income: The injury may prevent the individual from returning to their previous job, leading to a significant reduction in income. This loss, combined with increased expenses, can strain financial resources.

Navigating Financial Challenges

Facing these costs, families often feel overwhelmed. However, there are strategies and resources available to help manage the financial burden:

• Insurance Coverage: Understand your insurance policy details, including what treatments and equipment are covered and to what extent.
• Legal Assistance: Consulting with a personal injury lawyer experienced in SCI cases can be critical. They can help you navigate insurance claims and pursue compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Financial Planning: Working with a financial planner who understands the unique needs of SCI patients can help manage costs and plan for future expenses.
• Grants and Assistance Programs: Various nonprofits and foundations offer grants to help cover the costs of care, equipment, and home modifications for those with spinal cord injuries.

The Importance of Legal Rights and Support

Understanding your legal rights is crucial in the aftermath of an injury. Compensation obtained through legal action can provide vital financial support. Personal injury lawyers specializing in spinal cord injuries can offer the necessary guidance and advocacy to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers at Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law are ready to help fight for your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.