A spinal cord injury can be devastating, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, and a myriad of other complications. The emotional and physical toll is immense. However, the financial implications of sustaining such an injury are also substantial and can quickly become overwhelming. Understanding these costs and how to navigate them is crucial. This article examines the financial impact of spinal cord injuries in Illinois and provides guidance on managing the associated expenses.
Immediate Medical Costs
The initial hospitalization and emergency medical treatment required for a spinal cord injury is extremely expensive. Costs vary based on the severity and location of the injury, but studies estimate the average immediate hospitalization costs between $130,000 to over $1 million. This includes expenses like emergency transport, surgery, intensive care, medications, and various diagnostic tests.
In Illinois, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Under the state’s auto insurance laws, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage should pay for the injured person’s medical bills. However, there are still likely to be out-of-pocket costs until the claim is settled. Private health insurance can help bridge this gap, but plan limits and deductibles must still be contended with.
Ongoing Healthcare Costs
After the initial hospitalization, significant healthcare costs continue. Follow-up surgeries, medications, physical rehabilitation, assistive equipment, and routine care add up quickly. Lifetime costs for a 25-year-old sustaining a spinal cord injury can surpass $3 million in today’s dollars.
In Illinois, maintaining health insurance coverage is essential. Options include employer group plans, marketplace plans, Medicaid if qualified based on income, or insurance through a spouse. COBRA continuation may also be available after leaving a job.
Working closely with your insurance company, care coordinators, social workers, and the rest of your care team can help maximize coverage and identify assistance programs. Tax-advantaged accounts like FSAs, HSAs, and HRAs can also be useful savings tools for medical expenses.
Home & Vehicle Modifications
Adapting one’s home for wheelchair access with ramps, widened doors, grab bars, and accessible kitchens and bathrooms can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. Vehicle modifications like hand controls, lifts, and restraints add another $20,000 on average.
In Illinois, grants are available through organizations like the Illinois Assistive Technology Program and local United Way chapters to help cover home modification costs for those in financial need. Taking advantage of these resources is key.
For accessible vehicles, insurance payouts from an accident claim should be allocated towards modification costs. Leasing modified vans may also be an affordable option long-term versus purchasing.
Income Loss & Ongoing Care Costs
The inability to work after a spinal cord injury takes a huge financial toll through lost income. Long-term disability insurance helps replace a portion of lost wages. The Social Security Administration also provides disability benefits to those unable to engage in substantial gainful activity for over one year.
In Illinois, workers’ compensation benefits must be paid by an employer if a spinal cord injury occurred on the job. The amount is calculated based on 66 2/3% of a worker’s average weekly wage.
Many spinal cord injury survivors hire in-home caregivers for assistance with daily living activities, adding further costs. Illinois Medicaid waivers can sometimes provide funding for caretakers. Long-term care insurance is another option that can be purchased ahead of time.
Coping with Daily Expenses
Even routine daily living expenses can become challenging to manage after a spinal cord injury due to lost income. Utilities, rent/mortgage, car payments, childcare, groceries, and other bills quickly accumulate.
Prioritizing essential expenses, negotiating alternate payment plans, tapping into any savings, relocating to more affordable housing if needed, accepting help from community groups, and budgeting carefully are all important for coping day-to-day. Filing for bankruptcy may sometimes be unavoidable as a last resort if debts become truly unmanageable.
Legal Help
Navigating the complex web of costs and coverage following a spinal cord injury is extremely difficult without professional help. An experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer can help injured victims recover damages to cover all past and future accident-related expenses. Damages may be available from multiple sources like liable defendants, auto policies, UIM coverage, and more.
At Monge & Associates, our team has helped hundreds of spinal cord injury victims in Illinois obtain the compensation they desperately need after accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered this devastating injury due to another’s negligence, contact us today at (888) 477-0597 for a free consultation. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Illinois, Kansas, and Mississippi, our attorneys will fight to help ease the financial hardships so you can focus on recovery.