Car accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when they result in a spinal cord injury.
Beyond the immediate physical and emotional toll, these injuries can also bring about significant long-term financial costs that impact both the injured person and their family.
1. Initial medical expenses
Immediately following a car accident that results in a spinal cord injury, individuals face substantial medical bills. These include emergency room visits, surgeries and diagnostic tests. Rehabilitation, physical therapy and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or mobility aids, are also essential. These initial costs can be overwhelming, setting the stage for the financial journey ahead.
2. Ongoing medical and assistive device expenses
The costs do not stop after the initial treatment. Individuals with spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care and assistance. This includes regular doctor visits, medications and therapies to manage the condition. Additionally, the need for specialized equipment and assistive devices, which wear out over time, further strains finances.
3. Home modifications
A spinal cord injury often necessitates significant modifications to one’s living environment. Wheelchair ramps, widened doorways and bathroom alterations are typical examples. These home modifications can be costly, making it necessary to invest in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle as well.
4. Loss of income
Many individuals who sustain spinal cord injuries find themselves unable to work in their previous capacity, if at all. This loss of income places immense financial stress on the injured person and their family. Even when Social Security Disability benefits or other forms of assistance are available, they may not fully replace the income lost.
There are approximately 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries every year. While insurance and support programs may provide some relief, the financial burden of a spinal cord injury remains a significant concern that individuals and their families must navigate throughout their lives.
