Suffering a spinal cord injury can be very difficult and the experience can be daunting for anyone who has been harmed. Many individuals are unsure of whether or not they should file a lawsuit after a negligence-related accident, but a spinal cord injury can lead to a lifetime of issues.
Paralysis is one of the most catastrophic injuries and it comes with plenty of costs to consider. This is an injury that causes loss of use of various limbs and requires a large expense over the course of a lifetime. Here’s the breakdown so injured parties know what to expect.
The Costs
When it comes to paralysis, there are various things that must be considered when determining the lifetime costs. This is especially true when thinking of the severity of the paralysis. These are the first year and subsequent year costs based on severity of injury:
- High tetraplegia (C1-C4) ASIS ABC: The first year can cost someone $1,065,000 for medical costs and more. Each subsequent year can reach upwards of $184,000 for this type of injury.
- Low tetraplegia (C5-C8): Over the first year of sustaining this type of injury, the initial costs can be nearly $770,000. For each subsequent year, it may cost you upwards of $113,000 each year.
- Paraplegia: This is an injury that typically affects the lower body limbs. The first year can cost roughly $518,000 and each subsequent year after the first year can be upwards of $68,000 each year.
- Incomplete motor function (any level): These are typically the least damaging of the paralysis injuries and there can be costs of $347,000 in the first year and $42,000 for each subsequent year.
The lifetime costs of paralysis can be broken down as follows:
- High tetraplegia (C1-C4) ASIS ABC: If someone suffers this type of injury at the age of 25, the lifetime costs can be upwards of $4,724,000. For someone who sustains this injury at 50 years old, the lifetime costs can be $2,596,000.
- Low tetraplegia (C5-C8): Lifetime costs for someone of the age of 25 can expect to pay around $3,450,000 or if they are 50 years old, the lifetime costs can be upwards of $2,123,000.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia at the age of 25 can cost someone $2,310,000 over the course of their lifetime. When someone sustains this type of injury at the age of 50, they may expect to pay over $1,500,000.
- Incomplete motor function (any level): For this type of injury, a 25 year old can expect lifetime costs of $1,578,000 and for a 50 year old, it can be upward of $1,113,000.
Someone who sustains injury needs the help of a Kansas City paralysis lawyer to help deal with the lifetime costs associated with the injury. Our team at Presley & Presley may be able to help you moving forward.
Contact our firm at 816.931.4611 today.
