More than 240,000 people in the United States are living with the tragic consequences of a spinal cord injury (SCI). About half of these cases are tetraplegia, or impairment of the upper and lower limbs, but even a slight reduction in motor function can have devastating effects for both the patient and his or her family.
Beyond the physical and emotional challenges of living with an SCI, the cost of home care, mobility aids, and other medical needs can add up to millions of dollars. As we’ll explain in this blog, the lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury depends on a variety of factors including the type of injury sustained, the age of the victim, and whether he or she will be able to earn an income after reaching maximum medical improvement.
If you or a member of your family has suffered an SCI due to another person’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation for the associated healthcare expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Attorney Chelsie King Garza, P.C. can evaluate your situation for free to determine if you have grounds for a claim and how best to proceed.
Chelsie has more than 18 years of experience representing victims of personal injury and wrongful death in Texas. Call 713-893-8808 to schedule a free consultation with a spinal cord injury attorney in Houston.
What Is the Lifetime Cost of Living with a Spinal Cord Injury?
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the cost of medical bills and living expenses for patients with SCI is always highest during the first 12 months. Depending on the type of injury, the first year of treatment usually costs between $350,000 and $1.1 million. For each subsequent year, the cost of healthcare and living expenses ranges from $42,000 to over $180,000.
The lifetime cost of an SCI depends on how old the injured party was when the accident occurred. For example, if a person sustains a high cervical SCI at age 25, the expected lifetime cost is around $5 million for living expenses and medical care. But if a person suffers the same injury at age 50, the expected lifetime cost is about $2.5 million.
Unfortunately, these figures are only a fraction of the total expenses an SCI patient might incur because they do not account for lost income and loss of future earning capacity, which can add up to several million dollars. If you or a loved one suffered an SCI through the fault of another person, however, that individual may be liable for any medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
Discuss Your Case with a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Houston
Because the lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury is so substantial, recovering fair compensation in these cases often involves an uphill legal battle. The insurance company may offer you a settlement early in the proceedings, but if you accept a payout that’s too low to cover your future damages, you will not be able to pursue further compensation.
Attorney Chelsie King Garza, P.C. can investigate your case, calculate your damages, and make sure you are treated fairly. Chelsie works closely with medical, financial, and vocational experts who can assist with the investigation and possibly provide testimony to strengthen your case. To discuss your claim in a free initial consultation, call 713-893-8808 or use our Contact Form to reach us online.
