It should come as no surprise that living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is expensive. Beyond the obvious costs like medical equipment and physical therapy, families caring for someone with an SCI must account for home modifications, accessible vehicles, adaptive sports equipment, and mental health counseling.
Fortunately, you may not have to cover these expenses out of pocket. If you or your loved one suffered an SCI because of another person’s negligence, the liable party might be liable for all injury-related losses.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that motor-vehicle collisions are the leading cause of SCIs. If you or someone in your family sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident with a drunk, distracted, or reckless driver, you could circumvent New York’s no-fault laws and sue the liable motorist because an SCI is considered a “serious injury.” In New York, a serious injury is one that results in permanent limitation or loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system.
Attorney Richard M. Kenny can help you calculate what a fair settlement might look like and help you navigate the claims process. His law firm has received more than 100 5-star reviews on Google, which is a testament to Mr. Kenny’s genuine commitment to his clients’ wellbeing. Call 212-421-0300 to schedule a free consultation with a spinal cord injury attorney in New York City.
Let’s examine the kinds of expenses accident victims may incur while living with an SCI:
Average Yearly Costs & Estimated Lifetime Costs
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the average yearly costs—medical bills and living expenses—of living with a spinal cord injury can range from approximately $42,000 to $184,000. These estimates are based on the medical care needed after a patient’s condition has stabilized, though, which means costs incurred during the first year are much higher. They typically range from $347,000 to more than $1 million.
Someone who sustains an SCI at age 25 can expect to spend between $1.5 million and nearly $5 million on medical care and living expenses over the course of his or her lifetime. Someone who sustains an SCI at 50 years old, on the other hand, will spend between $1 million and more than $2.5 million.
It is worth noting that these figures do not include the indirect costs of living with a spinal cord injury such as lost income and benefits, loss of earning capacity, and lost productivity. These losses amount to more than $70,000 per year on average.
Discuss Your Case with a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in New York City
If someone in your family sustained an SCI in a preventable accident, turn to the spinal cord injury lawyers at The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny. Our tenacious legal team has recovered more than $100 million for valued clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 212-421-0300 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a New York City personal injury attorney.
