Catastrophic Injuries: A Spinal Cord Injury Can Cost You Millions
A spinal cord injury (SCI) due to another’s negligence or recklessness can have lifelong consequences that impose significant personal and financial burdens for those injured and their loved ones. Approximately 276,000 people are affected by SCI in the United States, with 12,500 new injuries reported every year. If you or a family member has sustained a spinal cord injury, it is in your best interest to contact a Richmond spinal cord injury lawyer to review your case and help you understand your options. Contact the attorneys skilled in these personal injury claims at Emroch & Kilduff today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Spinal Cord Injury Overview
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traumatic injury to the spinal cord can cause permanent disabilities. The spinal cord relays messages from the body to the brain through nerves protected by a spinal column. A fracture or dislocation in this area can cause damage that could be irreparable. Complications from an injury such as this include but are not limited to the following:
- Arthritis
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Disc degeneration
- Bulging discs
- Ruptured discs
- Paralysis
In some cases, an individual may still maintain mobility and feeling in areas of the body. A complete SCI results in the individual fully paralyzed from the area of injury and below in the rest of the body. Various physical effects to the body include:
- Sensory blockage - prevents feelings of pain, hot/cold sensations, pressure, and limb positioning
- Loss of muscle control
- Paraplegia - paralysis of the legs
- Quadriplegia - paralysis of the entire body below the cervical vertebrae where the injury occurred
Treatment for SCI varies based on the severity of the injury and may be managed with medication, spine stabilizing braces, and surgery. Long-term treatment is usually required including physical therapy, rehabilitation, mobility aids, etc.
Significant Cost of a Spinal Cord Injury
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medical treatment for SCI injuries during a lifetime can prove tremendously burdensome when added to the physical and emotional stress of the situation. The initial hospitalization and first year of treatment can cost close to $350,000 and as much as $1,000,000 for the most serious injuries. The
medical costs for every year after that range from $42,000 to $185,000.
Life expectancy for those affected by SCI is significantly below the average person. Mortality rates are much higher the first year following the injury with the greatest threats being pneumonia and septicemia (blood poisoning).
The impact of a spinal cord injury can affect the quality of life of the injured person and their family. The costs amount to more than monetary burdens with the loss of one’s independence, financial stability, and emotional outlook on life and the future. If you or a loved one experienced a traumatic injury such as this, our skilled Virginia personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the possible financial compensation owed to you. Contact Emroch & Kilduff today at (804) 358-1568 or
online to schedule a free case evaluation.
