According to a 2009 study, about one out of every 50 people in the U.S. lives with some form of paralysis. Paralysis, which is often caused by spinal cord injuries, is a very serious condition that can range from a single body part to a person’s entire physical form. Over 5.5 million people must cope with paralysis in some form, not only physically but also financially.
Paralysis originates in the central nervous system, and stroke is its leading cause. However, spinal cord injury is the second-leading cause of paralysis. The third leading cause of paralysis is multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, serious accidents such as those caused by cars and trucks can result in catastrophic injury for victims, including spinal cord injury and brain injury. Paralyzed accident victims and their families can obtain legal help and advice from an experienced Wilmington accident attorney.
Interestingly, according to research conducted by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, paralysis appears to be more prominent in households with lower incomes. About one-quarter of households containing people living with paralysis make less than $10,000 per year — this is compared to only about seven percent of households throughout the country. Overall, according to the Foundation’s research, spinal cord injuries cost over $40 billion each year.
All too often, those who are paralyzed in some way through the negligence of another, have to cope not only physically but also financially with the condition. Medical bills can be staggering for people who have monoplegia, quadriplegia or any of the other forms of paralysis. Adding to this burden is the massive cost of rehabilitation as well as the emotional toll of this often-devastating situation.
An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can help patients in the Wilmington area to address the costs of paralysis and confront the future directly and confidently. A consultation with a skilled attorney can offer answers and education as to the legal options for economic recovery.
Source: Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, “Stats about Paralysis,” accessed Sep. 26, 2016
