Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Impact
By definition, a spinal cord injury (SCI) is one that is caused by a trauma such as a motorcycle accident. The damage done by an SCI varies greatly and can range from mild impairment to total paralysis, even death. The five categories that the American Spinal Injury Association uses to define the severity of a spinal cord injury are:
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A - This indicates a complete spinal cord injury. In this, the most severe of the categories, all bodily functions are lost.
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B - This category indicates that the spinal cord injury was incomplete. A person who suffers from a category B impairment would have feeling below the injury site but no motor function.
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C - This is also considered an incomplete injury. In this case the accident victim has control of more than half of the key muscles below the injury site.
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D - Category D indicates an incomplete injury in which more than half of the key muscles below the injury site are functional and have a muscle grade of 3 or more.
Projected Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury in Virginia
In the Unites States, approximately 11,000 people are hospitalized for an SCI each year. The cost of treating these injury victims is high, estimated to be at least $9.7 billion annually. Those who survive can expect the cost of the injury to peak in the first year. In Virginia and across the nation, the first year after suffering a spinal cord injury costs can range from $200,000 to more than $700,000. Costs, both initially and long-term, depend on the severity of the injury. The long-term costs of an injury to the lower spine can range from $27,000 to $54,000. An injury higher on the spine can run as much as $132,000 annually.
Will You Get Enough Compensation for Your Spinal Cord Injury?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is too often no. When a person chooses to accept an offer from the insurance company without the advice of a personal injury lawyer they often do not have the money they need to cover the long-term costs of their injury. The insurance company wants to give you as little as possible. They want to keep their costs down, even if it means leaving you without the money you need.
In order to protect your future, the attorneys at Tavss Fletcher urge you: Do not sign anything without seeking the advice of an attorney. By signing a deal with the insurance company you may seriously limit your chances at getting a higher compensation package.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious injury during a motorcycle accident in Virginia, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Virginia Beach attorney at Tavss Fletcher. Together we can get you the money you need to pay your medical bills, both now and in the future. Don't give in to the insurance company's demands. Call today. 1.757.625.1214