When people think of spinal cord injuries, they usually only think about the incidents that cause them. We always hear about people getting a spinal cord injury due to a vehicle accident, work-related incident, a fall, or some other way.

What many people do not often consider are the long-term costs of a spinal cord injury. Today, we will delve into a much less thought about the consequence of these injuries, but one that can become incredibly costly for families of victims. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation give us the cost of home modifications that are often necessary. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we are here to help if you need a San Diego spinal cord injury attorney.

The Costs Associated with Spinal Cord Injuries

We know that there are an estimated 282,000 people in the United States with spinal cord injuries. If we dig into the costs given to us by the Spinal Cord Injury Institute, we can see why these injuries often result in the victims and their families going into bankruptcy. The overall costs depend on the severity of the injury. For the first year of medical treatment alone, costs can range from $347,000 to over $1 million. For each following year of medical care, it can cost from $42,000 to $185,000.

Again, those are simply the medical costs. Many people do not consider the hidden costs of spinal cord injuries. This can include loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and benefits of the victim, as well as the time it takes for family members to be caregivers. Often, a member of the family must leave their jobs to be with their loved one full-time.

In some cases, a family may have to buy an entirely new vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair.

Home Accommodations For Those With a Spinal Cord Injury

A major cost in the aftermath of these injuries can be modifications necessary in the home. While many of the changes may be minor, like a doorknob that is accessible and easier to use, many of the changes are much more costly.

This can include the following:

Widening doorways
Elevators
Ramps
Removing carpets
Installing hardwood floors

A person with an SCI may be temporarily or permanently confined to a wheelchair. Most homes are not designed for easy wheelchair maneuverability.

Is it fair that a family should have to shoulder the financial burdens if someone else’s negligence was responsible for their injury?

What You Can Do After A Spinal Cord Injury

If you or a loved one have experienced a work-related injury but are not receiving proper compensation, seek legal assistance. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we understand these injuries and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for all of your incident-related expenses. This can include: