The cost of medical bills can add up quickly after a car accident. This is particularly true when a victim sustains a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Even minor damage to the spine can cost a veritable fortune to treat. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, a minor loss of motor function costs about $347,484 for treatment during the first year and $42,206 for each subsequent year.
The expense is much higher when a SCI causes paralysis. A person with tetraplegia can expect to pay more than $1 million for the first year of treatment and $184,891 for each subsequent year. As such, if the victim is 25 years old when the injury happens and lives until age 70, he or she could expect to pay more than $9 million for a lifetime of treatment.
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If you or a member of your family sustained a SCI due to a drunk, distracted, or negligent driver, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm. An Alexandria auto accident lawyer will evaluate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you make a claim for the maximum compensation.
We have helped our clients recover more than $200 million in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free consultation.
Let’s take a look at three reasons why spinal cord injuries are so expensive to treat:
- Spinal Injuries Can Affect Almost Any System within the Body
The spinal cord is composed of nerves that are responsible for sending signals throughout the body. As such, an injury to the spine can affect multiple systems within the body and cause a range of symptoms.
Treatment for SCI involves more than surgery and rehabilitation. The patient may also need treatment for specific effects of the SCI. These may include bladder incontinence, inability to control the bowels, and paralysis. Treating the long-term complications of a spinal injury can be exorbitantly expensive.
- Some Patients Require Live-in Caregivers
Spinal cord injuries can range in severity. While some patients maintain their mobility and are able to live independently, others require live-in caregivers 24 hours a day. This will add to the lifetime cost of a SCI.
- Specialized Surgery May Be Necessary to Stabilize the Patient
Depending on the nature of the spinal injury, there may be a surgery that could restore some of the patient’s mobility; however, even if this is not possible, the victim may still require specialized surgery to stabilize his or her condition.
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If you or a member of your family sustained a spinal cord injury due to another person’s negligence, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm. Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience protecting the rights of the injured. We hold an AV Preeminent rating from the Martindale-Hubbell attorney rating service.
Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an auto accident lawyer in Alexandria.
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