Car accidents may cause lifelong trauma in a number of ways, but perhaps none are more physically devastating to a victim than a spinal cord injury ("SCI"). While many car accident injuries can heal with time, an SCI will never completely heal. In fact, a damaged spinal column can never be repaired. It will result in permanent paralysis and affect many other parts of your body. This article provides information on the cost and effects of an SCI after a car accident.
The Effects Of A Spinal Cord Injury After A Car Accident
Did you know that over 17,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States? Yes, almost 50% of these injuries are due to car crashes. An SCI can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Even with medical care, an SCI can have long-term effects on your quality of life. The injury may improve over time, but the victim may experience extreme back pain, loss of bowel and bladder control, and weakness for months or years after the accident. It's unfortunate that the majority of car accident victims have to deal with chronic pain due to nerve damage as well as degenerative conditions for the rest of their lives. Only 0.6% of SCI patients return to normal function and sensation, while nearly 60% of patients suffering from tetraplegia and over 35% have to live with paraplegia for the rest of their lives.
The Cost Of A Spinal Cord Injury After A Car Accident
The latest statistics from The Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention & Cure state that the average lifetime cost of a patient who is suffering from paraplegia at the age of 25 is approximately $1,000,000.00. On the other hand, if the patient is suffering from quadriplegia, the cost of an SCI can increase to $1.5 million to $3 million, depending on the severity of their condition. It is important to note that these costs don't take into account lost wages or similar financial losses that may result from a car accident. In addition, these figures do not account for pain and suffering.
Contact A Massachusetts Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer!
Bringing on a personal injury attorney to pursue your case does not cost you anything out of pocket. The importance of working with a reputable and experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in Massachusetts cannot be overstated if you suffer from an SCI after a car accident. The team at Faneuf Law Group is prepared to help you claim the maximum benefits for your personal injury. We understand that spinal cord injuries have a significant impact on patients' finances and their ability to support their families. To ensure our clients obtain compensation proportional to the financial impact of their injuries, we work with a team of experts, including medical professionals and life care planners who can help document and estimate the needs of our clients.
For a free initial legal consultation and case evaluation, please contact our Woburn personal injury attorneys today by calling 617-939-9894 or filling out our online contact form. We serve Woburn, Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Cambridge areas and all of Massachusetts State. Remember, if we take your case, you pay no fees unless we succeed in a monetary result for you.