Spinal cord injuries may bring to mind horrific car crashes, but they can happen in any circumstance. SCIs are costly and can demand both initial surgery and long-term therapy for you to regain motor control.

When they happen due to the neglect of a driver or employer, you may have options outside your own insurance to recover your financial loss.

SCI effects and costs

As the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center points out, the spinal cord is the core of your nervous system and an SCI has varying effects and costs depending on where the injury occurs.

Lower spinal injuries cost the least, but that does not mean they are cheap. Any lost motor function can see expected expenses that average around $375,000 for the first year. Estimated expenses for subsequent years range just under $50,000 on average.

Further up the spine may see injuries resulting in paraplegia — the paralysis of your legs or lower body — and costs average over $550,000 for the first year and nearly $75,000 for subsequent years.

The most severe SCIs are highest up on the spinal cord and affect much of a victim’s body. Recovery and rehabilitation costs for these range between $800,000 and over $1,000,000 for initial expenses followed by subsequent costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Recovering your costs

Though there is no cure for SCIs yet, that is no reason you cannot receive what help is available. Insurance companies seek to undervalue your pain and suffering for the sake of their own bottom line. Knowing the reality of your injuries, your situation and your future can help guide you towards a solution that matches your needs.