A back or spine injury from a crash can have an impact on the rest of your life. When it comes to quality of life, being able to cover damages, including medical bills, physical therapy, and pain and suffering, is often top of mind and added stress on top of an injury.
A spinal cord injury occurs when damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and the body, and motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. The force of a collision can fracture vertebrae, damage nerves, or compress the spinal cord, causing life-changing consequences.
The value of a catastrophic injury depends on many factors, including how severe the injury is, the amount of medical treatment required, and the effect it will have on your everyday life.
Never underestimate the impact of back pain after an auto collision, as it could be the sign of an injury that’s more serious than initially thought. When you’ve been seriously injured, our team at Spiros Law will uncover the potential financial impact of your spinal cord injury after a car wreck and prove its value so you can recover in peace.
Immediate Medical Costs Following an Auto Collision
Spinal cord injuries are a common injury associated with auto collisions, and the financial impact of your injury often begins immediately after the crash.
Those severely injured may require:
- Emergency vehicle transportation
- Trauma care
- Diagnostic imaging, such as MRIs and CT scans
- Surgery to stabilize the spine
- Intensive care unit (ICU) treatment
- Hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment, including wheelchairs and mobility devices
When the aftermath of a crash requires any of the above, medical expenses can quickly reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. While emergency treatment and hospitalization are significant expenses, they are often only the beginning.
Ongoing Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation
For many who suffer a spinal cord injury, recovery is not a short-term process. Long-term medical care needs may include:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help patients improve strength, mobility, and independence. Many individuals require therapy for years following their injury.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists help patients adapt to daily tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and personal care, after a serious injury.
- Follow-Up Surgeries: Some individuals with spinal cord injuries require additional surgeries to address complications, improve mobility, or manage chronic pain.
- Certified Medical Care: Individuals with spinal cord injuries often require ongoing care from neurologists, orthopedic specialists, pain management doctors, and rehabilitation professionals.
Lifestyle and Vehicle Modifications
From losing your hobbies to home accessibility modifications, spinal cord injuries often have life-altering consequences, including significant changes to one’s living environment.
These modifications may include:
- Wheelchair entry ramps at home
- Stair lifts
- Accessible bathrooms
- Wider doorways and hallways
- Lowered countertops
- Specialized beds and equipment
Transportation can also become a challenge. Many individuals require wheelchair-accessible vans or modifications to their existing vehicles, including transfer boards, person lifts, and hand controls, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Potential
One of the largest financial burdens associated with a spinal cord injury is the loss of income. Some injured people are unable to return to work for months or years. Others may become permanently disabled.
A serious spinal cord injury can affect:
- Current wages
- Future earning potential
- Career advancement opportunities
- Retirement contributions
- Employment benefits
The Emotional and Psychological Costs
Not every loss can be measured by medical bills or medical equipment. Spinal cord injuries often affect nearly every aspect of daily life, including:
- Chronic pain
- PTSD
- Loss of independence
- Emotional distress
- Depression and anxiety
- Reduced participation in hobbies and activities that brought you joy
- Changes in family relationships
These challenges are often considered when calculating pain and suffering damages in a catastrophic injury case.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in an Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
The amount of compensation available to someone who has been seriously injured depends on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injury, and its long-term impact.
The types of damages you can recover include:
- Economic Damages: All past, present, and future medical bills, equipment costs, and lost wages that resulted from your auto collision
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages: If the accident was caused by extreme negligence, such as drunk driving
Evidence, such as medical documents, police reports, and eyewitness accounts, helps strengthen your case. If it’s clear who is liable for the accident, this can make your case even stronger.
It’s also important to keep track of all your medical bills and any lost wages. This information helps demonstrate the extent to which your injury has cost you.
Contact an Illinois Car Crash Attorney Near You
A spinal cord injury and the trauma after a car crash can leave you in pain and stressed, and the long-term costs of a spinal cord injury only add to an already overwhelming situation.
Working with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney gives you the best chance of recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost income, future care, and other damages. Our team at Spiros Law can help you navigate the complex details of your case, handle the insurance company on your behalf, and be with you every step of the way.
We proudly serve clients throughout Illinois. Contact Spiros Law today for a free consultation with an Illinois catastrophic injury attorney.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and ordinances may change, and local enforcement may vary. For advice about a specific situation, consult a qualified attorney. Attorney advertising.
