Whether you suffer a spinal cord injury on the job or on the road, the effects are serious. You may face emergency surgery, long-term recovery and a lifetime of new normals to get used to if you suffer paralysis as a result of the accident or medical malpractice throughout the process of healing. All of this comes at a considerable cost—physically, mentally and financially.
When grappling with these costs, it is important to understand what likes ahead after sustaining an SCI.
Physical costs
According to SpinalCord.com, between 11,000 and 12,500 new SCI cases occur each year and the physical damage varies significantly. On top of potential paralysis, those with SCIs may face gastrointestinal problems, difficulty controlling bladder or bowels, or reduced sexual function.
Mental costs
Depression and anxiety frequently follow these physical changes—whether it is the result of dealing with the challenges of an SCI or physiological changes in your body after the accident or due to new medication regimes.
Financial Costs
The number of medical bills and healthcare costs required to recover from an SCI may feel staggering. From surgeons to hospital stays to physical therapists, a lot of work goes into your recovery. Depending on the severity of your injury, your SCI ordeal may run you thousands of dollars—possibly millions. Another factor in all these financials is the possibility that you are unable to work during recovery—which only exacerbates the situation.
You may recover some of this through insurance. Sometimes it is not that easy. When covering the costs of physical recovery and mental anguish, there are options available.