Suffering a spinal cord injury can drastically change one’s life in many ways, including financially. The initial medical bills and ongoing care and treatment costs associated with these devastating injuries can quickly become overwhelming. However, there are options available to help manage finances after sustaining substantial costs due to a spinal cord injury in Arizona.
Seeking Compensation
One of the first things to consider is determining if you may be entitled to compensation. In cases where another party was responsible or negligent, resulting in the injury and expenses, the at-fault person or entity may owe damages. An experienced Arizona personal injury attorney from Monge & Associates can review the details of your spinal cord injury accident and advise if you have grounds to pursue a claim. Successful compensation could help recover medical costs, lost income and benefits, adaptive equipment and home modification expenses, and more.
Public Assistance Programs
Several state and federal programs provide financial assistance to people with long-term disabilities and injuries. For example, Arizona’s ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) delivers support for those who meet eligibility criteria regarding medical necessity, financial qualifications and functional impairment ratings. ALTCS can fund in-home care services, health care, adaptive tools, and more based on an individual’s assessed needs.
The Social Security Administration also offers disability benefits programs that people with spinal cord injuries may qualify for, including SSDI and/or SSI. These provide monthly income supplements for those unable to work due to disability. Understanding and navigating available public assistance is essential to stabilize finances after this life-altering injury. A social worker or benefits advisor can help access suitable programs.
Re-Evaluate Spending
Having adequate finances to cover new injury-related costs requires rethinking budgets and spending. Sit down and list all essential living expenses, medical bills, care services, medications and equipment needs. See where cuts can be made to non-vital expenditures. Also, contact all healthcare providers and service companies to inquire about potential payment plans, financial assistance programs, discounted rates, or negotiating costs. Thinking creatively about how to decrease spending in some areas can help free up funds to apply toward priority injury-related costs.
Explore Additional Income Sources
The sudden loss of income combined with increased expenses makes obtaining extra income critical for many spinal cord injury survivors. Those still able to engage in some work could consider telecommuting options, freelancing, or other flexible employment arrangements. Additional family members may also need to boost their work hours to supplement the disrupted income source. Finally, peer support networks can share creative ideas for generating additional revenue, like monetizing hobbies or skills.
Ongoing Recovery Assistance
Navigating the financial hardships following catastrophic spinal cord injuries requires tapping into various resources for ongoing assistance. Non-profit organizations like the Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation and Craig H. Neilsen Foundation provide grants and funding opportunities related to quality of life, research, rehabilitation, and more. Connecting with a local Independent Living Center can open up further guidance as well. By utilizing comprehensive support and new funding sources, managing finances after this immense challenge becomes feasible.
The physical disabilities resulting from spinal cord injuries already present significant life changes and difficulties on their own. By lessening the financial barriers as much as possible, people can focus their efforts on recovery, adjustment, and regaining independence. With the right legal, public assistance, lifestyle, income, and community guidance, stabilizing personal finances again is an achievable goal.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you have suffered a spinal injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault. We have offices in 32 locations across 19 states, including Florida, Washington and Nebraska. Our lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.