The Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can occur when an individual sustains damage to any of the 31 vertebrae in their spinal column. These bones protect the spinal cord, which is a central bundle of nerves that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. If a vertebra is damaged and the spinal cord sustains trauma, the resulting symptoms may include temporary or permanent neurological impairments.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are responsible for 46 percent of all spinal cord injuries. Wearing a seat belt can reduce your chances of suffering an injury by 60 percent. It is important to exercise due care while driving and to wear a seat belt because the physical and financial consequences of a spinal cord injury are severe.
The CDC reports that the average annual medical cost for a spinal cord injury is $15,000 to $30,000 per year. The estimated lifetime cost for this type of devastating injury is between $500,000 and over $3 million depending on the severity of the trauma.
The average cost associated with an injury goes up significantly when the trauma is in the neck area or the injuries include paralysis. A 2011 study by the University of Alabama National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center broke down the cost of medical expenses during the first year after the accident and each subsequent year. According to the report:
- Damage to the CI-C4 vertebrae will cost $1,023,924 the first year and $171,808 each subsequent year.
- Damage to the C5-C8 vertebrae will cost $739,874 the first year and $109,077 each subsequent year.
- Paraplegia will cost $499,023 the first year and $66,106 each subsequent year.
- Incomplete motor function at any level can result in $445,170 damages in the first year and $40,589 each subsequent year.
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Maples Law Firm help Oklahoma victims of serious injuries receive fair compensation for their current and future losses. We make sure that our clients receive the support they will need for the rest of their lives. Please call us today at (405) 705-5050 if you or someone you love has been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.