Don’t Forget the Financial Demands of Sudden Spinal Cord Injury

If you suffer a catastrophic injury, expect life changes. Some issues, such as multiple appendage fractures, can sideline you for months. More serious trauma, like brain or spinal cord injuries, tend to result in more permanent function impairments. That means greater-than-average expenses. And that demands dedicated planning to ensure meeting financial needs.

If your condition is the result of an event outside of your control – a vehicle accident, slip and fall, or hazards stemming from another’s negligence – blame for your situation can be assigned to that person or entity. And you have a right to seek to hold them accountable for your expenses. The process can be legally complicated. An experienced attorney can help.

Adapting to Change

From a physical perspective, the potential changes caused by spinal cord injury may be clear and immediate. Bodily functions over which you had control can disappear, leading to loss of bladder and bowel control. Breathing might be harder. If you lose your sense of touch, you face higher risk of injury from burns, cuts or pressure sores. To enhance quality of life in the long term, these issues could present financial hurdles:

• Ongoing therapy:Release from the hospital might not be the end of restorative therapy. Adaptive training can last a long time and cost a great deal.

• Home adaptations: If you suffer a disabling spinal cord injury, getting around your house will have to change. Adaptations to entries, bathrooms, cooking facilities will be required.

• Transportation: Losing the use of limbs does not mean you’re immobile. But it costs money to get a properly equipped vehicle.

• Assistive technology: Body movement and social engagement can be critical to overall health. Devices to help foster phone or computer communication are available, as are systems to assist you in standing or sitting, stretching your body.

Develop a Plan

With your focus understandably being on getting a grip on the issues of daily living, it can be easy to overlook these issues in the aftermath of a disabling injury. To understand what your potential needs might be, identify all possible resources and assemble them effectively requires a comprehensive plan. The first step in making that plan is consulting a skilled attorney.