The financial and emotional costs to society of spinal trauma are great. These costs decrease only slightly after the first year. Because of complications, only 85 percent of people with cord injury are alive 10 years after injury. This compares to 98 percent of uninjured people of similar age and sex. Only 35 percent of paraplegics and 25 percent of quadriplegics are employed 8 years after the injury.
Marriage rates are lower.
Divorce rates are higher. People with cord injuries can feel isolated. They may need psychological counseling. Many laws have been created to give more help to people with disabilities. These laws will continue to make it easier to work and be a productive member of society.