Did you know that around 17,730 new cases of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) happen each year in the United States? On top of that, around 249,000 to 363,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries in the U.S.
In many cases, these serious injuries are a result of car crashes. As of 2019, 39.3% of spinal cord injuries were a result of vehicular collisions. The average age of those with SCIs is 43.
As someone with a spinal cord injury, one of your main concerns may be the cost. You are right to be worried, because the cost of caring for this type of injury can be high. That’s why it’s important to seek compensation from the person who injured you.
How much does a spinal cord injury cost?
For someone who has paraplegia, the average length of the initial hospital stay is 31 days. Eleven of those days may be spent in the intensive care unit. In just the first year, patients can expect to pay around $550,381 in expenses related to this injury.
If you are hurt at the age of 25, then the lifetime average cost of caring for paraplegia is $2.4 million. The data also shows that around 77% of people who suffer spinal cord injuries are unemployed 10 years following their injuries.
With this information, it is easy to see why seeking fair compensation is so important. This injury can have a significant impact on your life and has a true financial toll as well. Our website has more on what to expect if you plan to seek compensation for your spinal cord injury, your medical expenses and lost wages.