How will paralysis affect your finances?

If you suffer paralysis in a workplace accident, it is crucial you receive adequate compensation. What does “adequate” mean? Probably a lot more than you think.

The Christopher Reeve Foundation researched the average costs of paralysis in 2014. Here are some of their findings:

• First-year costs range from $350,000 to over $1 million

• Subsequent years range from $40,000 to $185,000 per year

• Lifetime costs range from over $1 million for a 50-year-old with an incomplete motor function to almost $5 million for a 25-year-old with high tetraplegia

Those figures are only for health care and extra living costs. They do not include loss of earnings from the time needed off work or your reduced ability to earn in the future. The report put those at $72,000 a year on average.

All those costs will have risen considerably since the data was gathered in 2014.

What else affects the total cost?

How much paralysis will cost you depends on the extent of your injury, as well as your age. Other factors include what field you worked in or have the skills to work in, plus any other injuries or disabilities that complicate things further. Remember, paralysis often shortens your life, which is a massive cost to you and your family.

How do I get what I need?

Do not think your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer will write you a check for everything you need. Their preference will be to write one for as little as they can get away with.

Getting legal help will be crucial to get the total amount you are entitled to if you suffer paralysis in a workplace accident.