Spinal cord injuries are a devastating life changing event for anyone.  They are especially tragic when they happen to young people. Families of teenagers who have suffered a spinal cord injury face immense challenges in navigating daily care and planning for the future.  Life will never be the same again, but through life care planning a bad situation can be made considerably better.  most individuals have never had the experience of needing a life care plan before a spinal cord injury. These injuries demand comprehensive life care plans tailored to the unique needs of the individual. At Coffey McPharlin, we have spent decades assisting families in creating customized plans to address both best- and worst-case scenarios. While no plan can predict every future need, careful preparation can significantly improve the quality of life for spinal cord injury victims and their families. Comprehensive plans not only provide a sense of security but also equip families with the tools to address complex medical and financial challenges, ensuring their loved ones receive proper care every step of the way.

For us it’s personal. Our team is experienced with friends and family as well as many families that have been affected by spinal cord injury for over 40 years.  Putting a comprehensive life care plan in place that is created by life care planning professionals that anticipates the range of potential needs is essential to the life, health, and safety of individuals affected by spinal cord injury.  With a proper life care plan many of these individuals can lead a more fulfilling and longer life despite their physical limitations. A life care plan can help restore a person’s dignity, as well.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the critical elements of a life care plan and the associated lifetime costs of spinal cord injury care based upon our research and our experience working with our clients.  It’s important to understand that the costs of a life care plan increase over the course of time with inflation so the cost of a medical item today is a fraction of what it will cost 20 or 30 years in the future.  A full life care plan that we use in litigation involves estimates of what the cost of each need today as well as into the future when it is needed again using growth rates tied to historical inflation rates for each need of the individual.  It’s important to talk to an attorney experienced with life care plans if there’s something that you need for a family member in order to make money last a lifetime.

1. The Importance of Comprehensive Life Care Plans

A life care plan serves as a roadmap for addressing the long-term needs of a teenager with a spinal cord injury. These plans consider:

• Immediate Medical Needs: Emergency surgeries, hospital stays, and medications to manage the initial injury.
• Long-Term Care: Ongoing therapies, adaptive devices, and personal care assistance for daily living activities.
• Future Planning: Financial strategies to cover medical expenses, home modifications, and unforeseen costs.

Spinal cord injuries often require input from medical experts from disciplines including  neurology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, pulmonology, nephrology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, life care planners, and financial advisors to create a plan that meets the victim’s needs while maintaining the family’s financial stability.

2. Key Costs in Spinal Cord Injury Care

Medical Expenses for Spinal Cord Injuries

Medical care is one of the most significant expenses associated with spinal cord injuries. First-year costs for a quadriplegic patient in Florida can range between $200,000 to greater than $1 million, with annual costs averaging $50,000 to $180,000 depending on the level of impairment.

Key components include:

• Emergency and Acute Care: Surgeries, ICU stays, and initial rehabilitation.
• Ongoing Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling.
• Medications and Monitoring: Prescription drugs and routine check-ups to manage complications.

Cost of Spinal Cord Injury Equipment

Adaptive equipment is critical for mobility and independence:

• Wheelchairs: High-end power wheelchairs can cost between $5,000 and $25,000.
• Assistive Devices: Voice-activated technology, environmental control systems, and communication tools can add thousands to annual expenses.

Home Modifications for Wheelchair Users

Adapting a home for wheelchair accessibility often involves:

• Installing ramps and stairlifts.
• Widening doorways.
• Renovating bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair access. Home modification costs range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the extent of the changes.

Personal Care Assistant Costs

Many spinal cord injury victims require assistance with daily tasks:

• Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Costs for PCAs range from $20,000 to $50,000 annually.
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for family caregivers, costing approximately $100 to $200 per day.

Spinal Cord Injury Therapy Costs

Therapies play a vital role in maintaining function and improving quality of life:

• Physical Therapy: Essential for preventing muscle atrophy and improving mobility. Costs range from $50 to $200 per session.
• Mental Health Support: Counseling for both the injured teenager and their family to address emotional and psychological challenges.

3. Financial Planning for Spinal Cord Injuries

Given the high costs associated with spinal cord injuries, financial planning is critical. Families must consider:

• Health Insurance Coverage: Understanding benefits and ensuring maximum utilization of policies.
• Legal Compensation: If the injury resulted from negligence, a spinal cord injury attorney can help secure compensation.
• Trust Funds: Special needs trusts can provide financial security while maintaining eligibility for public benefits.  unfortunately, if an individual is a Medicaid beneficiary and they have more than $2,000 in a bank account in their own name then they no longer are eligible for Medicaid.  Through their use of a Medicaid Preservation Trust, an individual can have indirect access to unlimited access to assets that are used to pay for the routine needs and maintain Medicaid eligibility to make up for what Medicaid and Medicare do not cover.  in every instance where our clients receive a settlement and have Medicaid benefits, we recommend a Medicaid Preservation Trust to protect their Medicaid eligibility but still have access to money.

A spinal cord injury lawyer with experience in long-term care planning can help families navigate the complex legal and financial landscape. Strategic legal advice ensures that settlements and benefits are used effectively to sustain lifetime care needs.

4. Long-Term Care and Adaptive Solutions

Adaptive Devices for Spinal Injury

Technological advancements have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Examples include:

• Mobility aids like robotic exoskeletons.
• Home automation systems for greater independence.

Home and Community Integration

Long-term care also includes reintegration into the community:

• Accessible transportation options.
• Vocational training for future employment opportunities.
• Participation in peer support programs and adaptive sports can also play a critical role in fostering a sense of normalcy and community engagement for teenagers living with spinal cord injuries. Community centers and organizations that provide accessible recreational activities and workshops can further enhance social integration and skill-building opportunities.

Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Caring for a teenager with a spinal cord injury can be physically and emotionally taxing. Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, ensuring they can recharge and maintain their well-being. This allows caregivers to better support their loved ones without risking burnout or neglecting their own health.

5. The Role of Legal Advocacy

A spinal cord injury lawyer can play a crucial role in:

• Securing compensation for medical expenses, personal care assistant costs, and home modifications.
• Fighting for justice in cases of negligence.
• Providing guidance on structuring settlements to cover lifetime care costs.

Additionally, attorneys experienced in spinal cord injury cases can help families navigate the complex legal system, ensuring all deadlines and documentation requirements are met. They can also identify all liable parties, including individuals, companies, or insurance providers, to maximize compensation. 

Collaborating with experienced attorneys ensures that families can focus on their loved one’s recovery while their legal and financial matters are professionally managed. By advocating for the victim’s rights, attorneys play a vital role in securing the resources necessary for long-term care and financial stability.

Planning for a Brighter Future

A spinal cord injury is a life-altering event that requires a multifaceted approach to care. By developing a comprehensive life care plan that addresses medical needs, adaptive equipment, home modifications, therapy, and financial planning, families can provide the best possible quality of life for their teenagers. At Coffey McPharlin, we are committed to helping families navigate these challenges with expert guidance and compassionate support.

If your family is facing the challenges of a spinal cord injury, consult with our experienced spinal cord injury attorneys to explore your options for securing financial stability and ensuring long-term care. Contact us today for a free consultation.