--- title: What's the Real Spinal Cord Injury Cost in 2023? description: Whether you're planning to sue or just need info, knowing the real spinal cord injury cost can help you plan your next steps. Learn more in this 2023 update! image: http://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/_0008_How_Much_Do_Spinal_Cord_Injuries_Really_End_Up_Costing_.jpg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - 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Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: January 13, 2023 ![What's the Real Spinal Cord Injury Cost?](http://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_0008_How_Much_Do_Spinal_Cord_Injuries_Really_End_Up_Costing_.jpg?width=711&name=_0008_How_Much_Do_Spinal_Cord_Injuries_Really_End_Up_Costing_.jpg "What's the Real Spinal Cord Injury Cost?") Every year, 12,500 people survive [spinal cord injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/infographic-u.s.-spinal-cord-injury-facts-figures). Most of these spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents (38%), followed by falls (30%), violence (14%), sports and other recreational activities (9%), medical errors (5%), and miscellaneous other factors (4%), according to the [National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center](https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/). The catastrophic nature of these injuries, coupled with the ongoing and chronic nature of symptoms, means that most [spinal cord injury survivors](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/survivor-stories) can expect to incur significant expenses. Though most injured people are concerned about medical costs, these expenses are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Whether you're [planning to sue](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-qualifies-for-a-spinal-cord-injury-lawsuit) or just attempting to get a realistic portrait of what's ahead, knowing the real spinal cord injury cost can help you plan your next steps. ## **SCI Medical Expenses** Medical expenses for [spinal cord injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) are often well in excess of a million dollars. Of course, the exact costs you can expect to pay are primarily dependent on the severity of your injuries and the number of medical services you need. Some of the most common sources of expenses for SCI patients include: - Spinal surgery - Trauma care, such as the use of a ventilator - [Rehabilitation](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory), including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling - Long-term care, including the costs of in-home aides  - Medical equipment such as wheelchairs - Medication such as painkillers and antibiotics According to the [Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation](http://www.christopherreeve.org/), average expenses for spinal cord injury patients are as follows: - For the first year, people with [high tetraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/cervical-spinal-cord-injury) can expect to pay about a million dollars for care. Low tetraplegia produces about $769,000 in medical expenses, while [paraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/thoracic-spinal-cord-injury) costs about $518,000. Injuries that produce incomplete motor function at any level cost an average of $347,000. - After the first year, costs tend to go down. Spinal cord injury patients with high tetraplegia incur costs of about $184,000 annually, compared to $113,000 for people with low tetraplegia. Paraplegia costs about $69,000 each year, while incomplete motor function produces the lowest costs, of about $42,000. [![Learn More About Coping with a Recent SCI](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/b295e25e-a529-437e-a14c-8a71f0bedd79.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/b295e25e-a529-437e-a14c-8a71f0bedd79)   ![medical doctor man pointing at spinal cord injury areas using human skeleton mode](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/medical%20doctor%20man%20pointing%20at%20spinal%20cord%20injury%20areas%20using%20human%20skeleton%20mode.jpeg?width=748&height=498&name=medical%20doctor%20man%20pointing%20at%20spinal%20cord%20injury%20areas%20using%20human%20skeleton%20mode.jpeg) ## **Travel, Airfare, and Other Hidden Expenses ** It's easy to fixate on the astronomical medical costs associated with a spinal cord injury, but these expenses are just the beginning. Many spinal cord injury survivors travel to another town to receive treatment. Others need the assistance of loved ones who must buy plane tickets and stay at nearby hotels. These costs can easily add up to several thousand dollars. Additionally, some hidden incidentals can include: ![airplane_travel-441401-edited](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/airplane_travel-441401-edited.jpeg?width=750&height=351&name=airplane_travel-441401-edited.jpeg) ## **Lost Wages and Earning Potential ** One year after the injury, just 11.7% of people with a spinal cord injury are employed. At 20 years post-injury, the figure is 35.2%. Consequently, the loss of earning potential is one of the most significant expenses for SCI survivors. In 2022, median wages [were about $54,132 a year. ](https://www.firstrepublic.com/insights-education/how-much-does-the-average-american-make)If we assume the injury occurs at the age of 25, and that the survivor otherwise would have worked until 65, this puts the loss in earning potential at just over a million dollars. Higher earners with spinal cord injuries can expect to lose even more. Even if you are able to go back to work, you will still have to take time off to recover from your injuries. Unless your employer continues to pay you as you recover, you can expect to lose significant income. ## **Longer-Term Expenses of Spinal Cord Injuries** The long-term and/or lifetime costs of spinal cord injuries aren't readily apparent, particularly when you are focused on just surviving. Some of the additional expenses and lifetime costs you could incur from spinal cord injuries include: [![Learn More About Coping with a Recent SCI](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/b295e25e-a529-437e-a14c-8a71f0bedd79.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/b295e25e-a529-437e-a14c-8a71f0bedd79)   ## **Valuation of Lawsuits for the Purposes of Suing ** In a perfect world, a lawsuit could help you fully recover what your spinal cord injury took from you. But we don't live in a perfect world. In our legal system, all a lawsuit can offer you is money—and, rarely, a judicial prohibition against future behavior by the defendant that might cause additional injuries. For this reason, lawyers value spinal cord injury lawsuits solely in financial terms. Some of the factors your lawyer will consider include: - Your pain and suffering as a result of your spinal cord injury - The ability of the other party to cover your damages - Lost wages and earning potential - Medical and other expenses - Court costs, such as the cost of hiring an expert witness As you can see, the unfortunate fact is that spinal cord injury costs often extend far beyond the physical ramifications. When your job is to focus your energy on learning how to live life to the fullest again, the last thing you want to be worrying about is how to piece together the financing for the high cost of spinal cord injuries. Click the button below to download our free guide which will help explain the types of spinal cord injury cases which qualify for legal intervention. [![Free eBook When to Get a SCI Lawyer](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/7777360c-974a-4e6e-9fa9-9cbf0c2096c9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/7777360c-974a-4e6e-9fa9-9cbf0c2096c9) **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Injury Support & Groups, Legal ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-is-the-real-spinal-cord-injury-cost#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-is-the-real-spinal-cord-injury-cost#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

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Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

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Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

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Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

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Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```