Although a car accident in Louisiana can occur in a split second, the resulting effects of it can last a lifetime. This is particularly true for those who suffer serious injuries. A head injury can cause brain damage, leaving a victim with permanent disability and the need for long-term care. The physical limitations and emotional damage caused by this harm can be extraordinary, but the financial loss can be utterly debilitating.
The same holds true for those who suffer a spinal cord injury. Depending on the severity of a spinal cord injury, a victim can have certain parts of his or her body, or all of it, permanently paralyzed. Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury can be quite costly, too. For example, an individual suffering from incomplete motor function may need nearly $350,000 in the first year following their injury just to cover medical expenses and living costs. Each subsequent year may cost as much as $42,000. And these expenses are for one of the lesser spinal cord injuries, comparatively speaking.
Those who suffer high tetraplegia can face more than $1 million is costs in their first year post-injury. Each year after that can cost nearly $185,000. Over the lifetime of an individual who is 25 when the injury occurs, this can equate to nearly $5 million. Most victims cannot afford these expenses, especially when their injury has left them unable to work.
With these staggering statistics in mind, spinal cord injury sufferers should carefully consider their legal options. If their injury was caused by a car accident initiated by a negligent driver, then compensation may be sought through a personal injury lawsuit. Succeeding on these claims can be challenging, though, so the assistance of a skilled legal professional may be beneficial.
Source: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, “Costs of living with SCI,” accessed on Dec. 11, 2016
