The cost of paraplegia and quadriplegia

For those who have a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia, the cost is immeasurable. Although paraplegics still have use of their arms and therefore can remain fairly independent after rehabilitation and training, they need considerably more ongoing medical attention and may need assistance with everyday tasks. For quadriplegics, this is a certainty. Without the use of any limbs, quadriplegics require help eating, dressing, moving around, and in some cases have difficulty communicating.

Some of this long-term care can be provided by friends and family members, but not all and not in all cases. In fact, about 8% of those who become quadriplegic or paraplegic after an accident are discharged to a nursing home, group home, or other hospital. Each year, up to a half of those who have had a spinal cord injury are re-admitted to hospital.

The cost of care immediately after a spinal cord injury can be astounding. For paraplegics, first year costs average $152,000; for quadriplegics the average is $417,000 though in some cases it can be much more. On average, those with spinal cord injuries spend 15 days in acute care wards, and 44 days in rehabilitation units.

And that’s just the beginning. Lifelong costs to paraplegics average $428,000 and $1.38 million for quadriplegics. Again, specific cases could cost much more. Only 52% of those injured have private medical insurance. The other half of the population must rely on Medicare and Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation, employer programs, and their own funds to pay for this care.

Most do not go back to work after their injuries. One study found that the unemployment rate for those with spinal cord injuries was 63% eight years after their injuries. Those who do return to work usually go back to their previous job.

The real tragedy is that in many cases the accident causing the spinal cord injury was a result of someone else’s negligence. Up to 86% of all cases occur in an automobile accident, as a result of a fall, or as a result of violence. There are approximately 11,000 new injuries reported every year.

Some other facts:

(Source: The University of Alabama National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center - March 2002)

If you or a loved one has become paraplegic or quadriplegic as a result of an auto accident, violence, or because of some other instance of negligence on the part of others, contact  a  personal injury lawyer at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We will help you get the compensation you deserve to pay for your immediate and long-term medical needs. Dealing with catastrophic injury brings enough anxiety – don’t let your financial situation be another source of stress. Contact us today for a free case review.

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