Many factors affect the total cost of a spinal cord injury. For example, if you’re injured in a car accident caused by another driver, the location of the injury plays a major role. A high tetraplegia injury—such as one around the C4 vertebra—can be far more severe than a lower tetraplegia injury closer to the C8 vertebra. Some spinal injuries result in paraplegia, which allows for upper-body movement but still requires extensive care and rehabilitation.
Beyond the type and severity of the injury, age at the time of the injury is also an important factor. If you are seeking financial compensation from a negligent driver, you must consider long-term costs. Since spinal cord injuries often require lifelong care, being injured at a younger age usually results in higher lifetime expenses.
What does the difference look like?
Every case is unique, and it’s essential to work closely with your doctors and medical team to understand the full scope of your injury and what treatments you’ll need.
That said, some general estimates from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation help illustrate how costs increase with age. For instance, a person who suffers a high tetraplegia injury at age 50 may face lifetime costs of around $2.6 million. But if the same injury occurs at age 25, lifetime costs can rise significantly to approximately $4.7 million—nearly double the amount—due to the longer duration of care needed.
Seeking full compensation for all of your costs is essential after a serious injury. Be sure you understand your legal options and what steps to take to protect your future.