The initial costs of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Emergency medical care, surgeries, hospitalization and rehabilitation can easily exceed $1 million in the first year alone. If the injury is severe, the individual may need long-term care in a specialized facility. These costs can quickly add up, putting a financial strain on the individual and their family.
Costs include lifelong doctor visits, specialists, treatments, medications, assistive devices and therapies. There are also the costs of a disability, including home and vehicle modifications. When all of these costs are factored in, the average lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can reach almost $3 million.