IS THERE A CURE FOR SPINAL INJURIES?

Despite advances in technology, there is no cure for a spinal cord injury. Once damage is done, it is difficult for the body to recover due to the way the nerves need to heal. Unfortunately, the spinal cord does not recover in the same way as other parts of the body, making any complete injuries likely to be permanent. Although a cure is not available at this time, those with spinal cord injuries can benefit from a number of potential treatments including rehabilitation, neuroprotection, assistive devices and others.

How many people live with spinal cord injuries?

With over 12,000 people living in British Columbia with spinal cord injuries, you know that you are not alone if you’re struggling with this condition. There are around 500 people who suffer SCIs each year. With many cases to look on, it’s possible to assume the cost of an injury over the course of a lifetime.

How much can a spinal cord injury cost over the course of your lifetime?

If you have an SCI and are living in British Columbia, it’s estimated that your lifetime care will cost between $1.6 and $3 million as of 2016. If the injury is caused by a negligent driver, that driver or his or her insurance company should cover the medical care you need. Knowing that $1.6 to $3 million is a base for medical care should help you negotiate a settlement that you can live comfortably with, while remembering to consider extra costs for inflation and further emerging medical technology you’d like to use to help yourself recover.

Source: Spinal Cord Injury BC, “About Spinal Cord Injury,” accessed Sep. 21, 2016