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If you are facing any type of paralysis following a personal injury accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a lawsuit for compensation. In addition to the physical repercussions, the resulting financial costs can be devastating. If you decide to hold the at-fault party accountable, any settlement offer from the insurance company will not automatically include long-term costs. As a result, it is critical to have an attorney evaluate your case and determine its value before you accept it.
Since paralysis can result in significant financial losses, a personal injury attorney will often consult experts when determining the amount of compensation you need to cover future expenses. For example, a medical expert who understands the severity of your injury and the long-term impact on your daily life, or a forensic accountant who can calculate the expected lifetime costs associated with your type of paralysis. To get a more accurate estimate, your attorney will also help you gather the following information and documentation, such as:
After considering all of the evidence, your attorney will carefully draft a demand letter to send to the insurance company. This letter will detail the accident, your injury, the damages suffered, and the amount of compensation you demand to resolve the claim. Once the insurer receives this letter, back and forth negotiations will often begin. Your attorney will handle all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company to ensure you are treated fairly and obtain the compensation you need and deserve. If the insurer refuses to settle for a fair amount, your attorney will help you file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
The table below demonstrates the financial impact a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis can have in the first year, each year after, and the lifetime costs based on the type you have.
| Injury Severity | Average Yearly Expenses
First Year |
Average Yearly Expenses
Each Subsequent Year |
Lifetime Costs
25 Years Old |
Lifetime Costs
50 Years Old |
| High Tetraplegia (C1-C4) AIS ABC | $1,163,425 | $202,032 | $5,162,152 | $2,837,031 |
| Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8) | $840,676 | $123,938 | $3,771,791 | $2,319,988 |
| Paraplegia AIS ABC | $567,011 | $75,112 | $2,524,270 | $1,656,602 |
| Motor functional at Any Level AIS D | $379,698 | $46,119 | $1,724,594 | $1,217,266 |
The NSCISC provided these figures in 2021 based on information collected since 2015. They are estimates of medical care and living expenses for a spinal cord injury victim. They do not reflect any additional injury-related financial losses, such as lost income, employee benefits, and productivity. According to the NSCISC, these other costs can add up to more than $78,000 per year on average.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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