Quadriplegia After An Accident: Care And Treatment Are Costly

After an accident, the diagnosis of a spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia, or full paralysis, is a life-altering announcement. While many victims, and their families, understand the seriousness of the injury, it takes time and further processing to fully come to terms with everything, especially when it comes to cost. 

Immediate Medical Treatment

The average hospital stay in the immediate aftermath of an accident is often lengthy. The medical team will need to administer many tests to determine if the victim is suffering from permanent paralysis. The team might also perform different surgical procedures, such as a tendon transfer, to attempt to restore function. Combined, this care will reach well into the tens of thousands of dollars range. 

Long-Term Care

Upon release, the accident victim will require ongoing treatment that might include mental health counseling, medication, and possibly, around the clock, medical assistant care. Even if the victim has a health insurance plan with good coverage, they will still face some out-of-pocket cost for co-pays and deductibles. Many of these costs will continue throughout the victims' lifespan.

Mobility Equipment

Victims with quadriplegia can still move about inside and outside of their homes with specialized equipment like tongue-controlled wheelchairs, but this equipment is especially costly. Some of these chairs are also wide, which might require modifications around their home for them to safely move about. There are also cost involved with transporting this equipment, such as a larger vehicle and a chair lift system. 

Household Needs

Many households operate with a team effort. If the victim was married, maybe they were responsible for taking their children to school, and their spouse picked them up. When the victim is no longer able to fulfill their role, it can lead to stress and additional expenses for the other members in the form of modifying work schedules or hiring someone for childcare.

Loss of Income

When the victim of the injury was also the sole income earner for the household, there are substantial costs involved with a loss of income. From mortgage payments to property tax costs to day-to-day expenses, quadriplegia will prevent the individual from earning an income and providing for their family in the way that they always have. 

The victim and their family have suffered enough; they should not have to face financial ruin. If you or a loved one was injured because of the actions of another person or entity, you should speak with a catastrophic injuries lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you file a claim that covers these costs, and more. 

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