Spinal cord injuries are subjectively some of the most feared injuries possible in a car crash. Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of back injuries in the United States, and some people will never walk again after a wreck.
Spinal cord injuries may be low or high on the spine, which will drastically impact how much of an effect it has on your life. They may also be complete or incomplete, which can affect your prognosis and treatment requirements. Regardless of the specific details of your diagnosis, a crash-related spinal cord injury will likely forever alter your financial circumstances.
How much will a spinal cord injury cost?
The best case scenario for a spinal cord injury might involve an incomplete injury low on the spine. People may experience pain and reduced function, but they may still be able to perform many of the same actions as before the injury and may even recover some of their lost function with the right medical support.
Even with an incomplete spinal cord injury, you can expect more than $379,000 in medical costs the first year after they get hurt and another $46,000 in medical costs every year for the rest of their lives. More severe injuries will cost far more to treat.
There will also be employment implications, which can be devastating for those in physical professions. They will often be additional expenses related to making housing and transportation accessible. You can expect a six-figure price tag almost without exception and a seven-figure price tag in many cases.
Car insurance will help but has its limits
The driver who caused your crash should have liability insurance protection that will pay for your losses, including unearned income because of your medical condition and your medical bills. However, many drivers carry only what the state requires.
You might have $15,000 in bodily injury protection and nothing else in some cases. Other times, you may have extra coverage on your own policy, but even then, the payout may not be enough to reimburse you for your losses.
Civil lawsuits can close the gap
Some people hurt in car crashes will be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver involved in the rep. Either illegal activity or obvious negligence on the part of the other party might open the door to a lawsuit. There are also numerous situations in which there may be a business or third party with some liability for the crash.
Those with extreme injuries that will carry lifetime medical consequences may need to look into all of their options. Getting adequate compensation after a motor vehicle collision often requires tenacity and professional help.
