Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic traumatic injuries people can suffer. Regardless of the placement of the injury and the degree of damage caused, a spinal cord injury is likely to produce lifetime medical complications and significant financial consequences.
Increased medical costs are one reason why spinal cord injuries are more expensive than people typically expect. Spinal cord injuries also tend to have a significant negative impact on earning potential. How does a spinal cord injury influence the future income of the injured person?
1. Reduced workplace capabilities
Spinal cord injuries tend to have major implications for an individual’s daily functional capabilities. Paralysis below the site of the injury is common.
Even in incomplete injury scenarios where there is nerve damage and motor function impairment but not a total loss of function and sensation, professionals may not be able to continue performing the same job pass. Workers may not be able to maintain their current positions or may find themselves incapable of pursuing better positions with higher pay due to the new challenges that they face.
2. Lost time at work
Spinal cord injuries may require trauma care that leaves the worker in a rehabilitation facility for weeks after their initial injury. They may need to regularly see physical therapists and other medical professionals to maintain their health and prevent tissue damage related to decreased mobility.
When workers have repeated absences from work, their employers may look on them less favorably when the time comes to give promotions and responsibilities for major, profitable projects. Even if employers know that lost time is the result of a medical issue, a worker’s protracted absences could impact their future opportunities.
3. Discrimination by customers and employers
Employers should not treat workers differently due to their disabling medical conditions. They also should not allow co-workers to bully or otherwise mistreat those who have visible medical challenges.
People with spinal cord injuries are often reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs, crutches or canes. Those visible reminders of their medical challenges may result in discrimination from colleagues, supervisors or even the customers patronizing a business.
Calculating the true financial impact of a spinal cord injury can be a challenging process. A thorough review of the medical records and career of the injured party by an experienced legal professional can help those hoping to seek compensation better estimate their losses and evaluate their options for seeking compensation.