Sustaining an injury that leads to paralysis can be quite devastating. Your life can turn upside down instantly. You won’t be able to take part in activities you used to enjoy or go to work and provide for yourself and your loved ones. If your injury resulted from the negligent actions of another party, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. To determine the right amount of compensation to demand from the insurance company of the party responsible for your accident, you must consider all your financial losses and the money you have spent or will have to spend to enhance your quality of life after paralysis. A Folsom personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your claim. Here’s what your attorney will consider:
Your Medical Costs
An injury to the spinal cord can be quite expensive. You need to keep track of your medical bills, so they can be included in your injury claim. Examine your expenses such as copy and deductible amounts that must be paid during your recovery.
Hospitalization Costs
A spinal cord injury can require you to stay at a hospital for a long time. You may need to spend at least $50, 000 on hospitalization for a complete spinal cord injury. If you suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury, your hospital cost can reach up to $20, 000.
Ongoing Medical Treatment
Your medical treatment will depend on the seriousness of the injury and its location. However, medical costs can add up quickly. For complete paralysis, you may end up spending more than $700, 000 for your treatment just in the first year following treatment alone. Your treatment costs include surgery, traction, and steroid injections. Speak with your doctor about expected future medical procedures you might undergo and their costs. This way, your attorney can factor in these costs when calculating your claim’s value.
Therapy
With a spinal cord injury, you may need significant therapy to help you cope with your limitations. A paralyzing injury can leave you unable to use your limbs. The injury’s extent can help determine the amount of necessary physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Medical Equipment
After sustaining a paralyzing injury, you may need to depend on durable medical equipment to cope with your physical limitations, protect your health and mobility, as well as maintain your quality of life. Examples of this equipment include wheelchairs, adaptive devices, and breathing assistance machines.
