Port Charlotte Spine Injury Attorney
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center found that vehicle crashes cause 38 percent of spinal cord injuries, making traffic collisions the leading cause of spinal injuries. If you or a loved one have experienced sensory loss or any other signs of paralysis after a collision, you should seek immediate medical attention and then contact a qualified Port Charlotte spine injury attorney at Hale Law. We can assist with your case.
What Medical Expenses You Can Expect
If you were in a collision that resulted in trauma to your spinal cord (the nerves) or your spinal column (the bones), you should get a full medical examination. Doctors will often order a CT scan and MRI to determine the source of your pain, as well as neurological tests. Patients may not initially experience paralysis, but broken vertebrae can shift if left untreated and cause permanent paralysis later. Surgery may be necessary to make a full recovery or the damage to your spinal cord injury may be lifelong, requiring you to make changes in your lifestyle.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, the average cost for a person who experiences motor loss in 2014 was $347,484 for the first year post-accident and $42,206 each subsequent year after. The costs increase for someone with paraplegia, again for someone with low tetraplegia, and for someone with high tetraplegia (injury to C1-C4), the costs are estimated to be about $1,064,716 in the first year with each subsequent year costing about $184,891. These costs do not account for the loss of future wages and other financial losses a person may incur indirectly from their injuries. According to The World Health Organization, the indirect costs of a spinal cord injury often exceed the direct medical expenses. Other expenses to that might be necessary include:
- Wheelchair;
- Making ADA accommodations for your home;
- Vocational rehabilitation;
- Caretaking help; and
- More.
Who Is Responsible For the Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury
The driver of the vehicle that caused the collision is the liable party. As such, their insurance company is responsible for compensating all victims of the crash. The dollar amount you will receive for your claim is dependant on the insurance policies available, but you will be able to seek compensation for the following:
- Medical bills, medical equipment and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages and lost future earning potential;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Permanent disability;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering: and
- More.
Reach Out to Port Charlotte Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Spinal Cord injuries require medical attention and often leave a patient, at least temporarily, less mobile. If you have experienced trauma to your spine as a result of a traffic crash, you need to focus on your health. Let an experienced spinal cord injury attorney take the lead on your legal case to ensure you get the best compensation for your injuries possible. The Port Charlotte attorneys at Hale Law are here to help you. Call us at 941-735-4529 to schedule your free consultation.
