Spinal cord injuries represent a small portion of overall injuries experienced by Americans in a year. However, these catastrophic injuries also entail some of the most widespread, long-lasting effects for those who suffer from them.
Depending on the location, a person’s risk to suffer an SCI may occur from different sources and that nuance may affect a case to recover the cost of recovery.
The national numbers for SCIs
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the bulk of SCIs results from vehicular accidents and falls—approximately 70.8% of cases. The average age of people who suffer an SCI has increased to 43 since 1970. Average hospital stays have shortened to around 11 days while rehabilitation lasts about 31 days. Estimates put first-year costs for an SCI between $375,000 and $1.15 million depending on the severity.
Hawaii’s SCI numbers
While falls still represent a major fraction of SCI accidents at 33%. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the second most common source of SCIs were due to ocean activities, sitting at 32%. The most likely age for a traumatic spinal cord injury hovers between 16 and 30.
Compensation in any state
These injuries impact a person’s physical capabilities and mental state. They also cost a great deal to recover from—even if recovery means adapting to a lifetime of paralysis. Regardless of whether someone is on vacation in Hawaii with out-of-state insurance or a resident suffers a bad fall, there are options for recovering the high costs of recovery. Knowing more may help anyone navigate these complex matters after a catastrophic injury.
