CASE STUDY #3 - MARK

The following is a fictional case study that reflects real costs experienced by people injured in Ontario motor vehicle accidents.

Mark is a 31-year-old who lives with his wife and child in a residential subdivision and works full-time as a teacher.

Part 1

While driving home from work one day, Mark swerves to avoid an oncoming car and rolls his vehicle into a ditch. The accident results in a complete spinal cord injury. Mark is rendered a paraplegic, losing the use of his legs entirely, and with decreased upper body strength.

Mark’s injuries are characterized as “catastrophic” and will involve expenses over the rest of his life. A case manager is hired to guide Mark and his family through all the various costs and procedures that follow.

Over the initial four years that follow his accident, Mark faces a range of healthcare costs that are not covered by OHIP. He receives physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture treatments for both his legs and upper body. Mark sees a psychologist for help in coping with the many changes to his life. He also requires a range of prescriptions (pain killers, creams, etc.) as treatment for his initial injury and ongoing care for his disability.

Part 2

Mark faces the significant costs of adapting his surroundings to accommodate life without the use of his legs and with limited use of his arms. He requires a special motorized wheelchair for mobility, as well as specialized exercise equipment to complete his prescribed daily exercises at home.

Temporary modifications are made to his home for weekend leaves from the hospital following the accident (ramps, electric bed, etc.), followed by a more thorough renovation shortly thereafter. Mark’s family cars are both replaced by vehicles that can accommodate a wheelchair.

Part 3

Because Mark’s ability to care for himself is very limited, he requires an attendant caregiver for several hours a day in order to dress, wash, exercise, etc. He also hires a housekeeper for six hours a week, as he and his wife are unable to complete these duties while working, dealing with Mark’s disability and caring for their child.

Part 4

Mark is unable to work or earn income for the first year and a half after his injury. He begins seeing an occupational therapist, who works with him in order to find a meaningful career path in the wake of his injury. When Mark ultimately finds a new job and returns to the workforce, there are costs associated with modifying his workspace in order to accommodate his wheelchair and disability.

The costs outlined above are incurred in the four years that follow the injury. Many, however, will continue for the rest of Mark’s life. While these expenses will vary based on circumstances and increase with inflation, Mark’s annual costs may look something like those outlined below.

Return to REALITY CHECK