By Alex Rivera
Denver is the most populated city in Colorado. In Denver, many people enjoy outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and, don’t forget, exploring the Eldorado Canyon State Park, which is only 30 minutes from Denver.
In a vibrant city like Denver, a spinal cord injury can be very devastating. Whether it is caused by a car crash on the I-25 or a slip and fall at work, these injuries can instantly change your life. Research shows that victims who survive spinal cord injuries incur $300,000 to over $1 million in the first year alone.
These charges haven’t even factored in lost wages and pain and suffering. A Denver spine injury attorney can help you pursue justice and account for all damages. In this piece, we will discuss the financial impact of a SCI.
The Outrageous Expense of Emergency Medical Treatment
The moment there is a spinal cord injury, the victim normally requires immediate emergency medical care. This includes:
- Requesting for an ambulance
- Treatment for trauma
- Diagnostic imaging
- Surgery
- Prolonged hospital stays
As mentioned, depending on the extent of the injury, the initial care alone costs several hundred thousand dollars. These are expenses that the majority of families are not prepared to incur, especially when they are unforeseen.
Ongoing Medical Needs and Rehabilitation
Unfortunately, costs do not end after getting discharged from the hospital. Most victims of spinal cord injury require long-term care. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, at times, are necessary for months or years.
Also, equipment such as motor wheelchairs, hospital beds, and mobility assistance can be extremely expensive. Sometimes the home must be modified to accommodate a wheelchair with such features as ramps, opened doorways, and stair lifts.
Approximately $1 million for the initial year of treatment for a severe spinal cord injury is estimated and around $42,000 to $184,000 or more per year after that.
Loss of Employment
Spinal cord injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, and many will no longer be able to perform the job they were doing at the time of the injury. Some will never again be capable of working.
Though the injured may be able to perform a restricted work function, their earning potential is significantly lowered. To already strained medical bill budgets, there is an added burden of lacking an income stream.
Hidden Costs Add Up Quickly
There are also less tangible costs, which may accumulate over a period of time. After a spinal cord injury, a lot of traveling is involved for things like therapy and hospital visits, which can mean the purchase of an affordable vehicle.
Caregivers may have to be hired to perform everyday tasks. A spouse or other family member may have to resign from work in order to serve as a full-time caregiver in some cases, which further decreases household income. Counseling and emotional support services, although important for the recovery process, are yet another ongoing cost.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injury has the potential to leave a lifelong scar on the physical body and the whole financial well-being of a person. With so many costs, it is crucial to find help and pursue compensation early.
About the Author: Alex is a long-time journalist for NewsWatch, using his expertise to explain to readers how technology is reshaping society beyond mere gadgets and algorithms. His reporting cuts through industry hype to reveal the human stories behind technical innovations, offering readers a thoughtful perspective on where our digital future is heading.
