Understanding the Financial Impact of Serious Injuries in Pennsylvania

In November 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Health Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) released its “Injuries in Pennsylvania: 2023 County Profiles” report. The report provides information on the number and cost of unintentional injuries reported in Pennsylvania hospitals in 2023. 

Key statistics in the report reveal how serious and costly unintentional injuries can be. Those injured by another’s negligence often benefit from the assistance of an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.

Key Findings from the 2023 Pennsylvania Injury Report

The “Injuries in Pennsylvania” report examines injuries that required hospital stays during 2023. It breaks down these injuries among age groups and examines the median cost of injury-related hospital stays and the total cost for hospital care in each age group and county. 

In 2023:

• Pennsylvanians faced $15 billion in hospital costs from injuries. 
• Slips, trips, and falls cost $8.3 billion in hospital care in 2023. 
• Car accidents contributed another $896.7 million in hospital costs in 2023. 
• The most common injuries that required hospital care in 2023 were car crash injuries, firearm injuries, suffocation, and drowning or near-drowning accidents. 

The report does not address non-hospital costs. Doctor’s visits, medical equipment, medications, and ongoing care at home impose additional costs on injured Philadelphians and their families.

If you were recently injured in a serious accident while driving on the road, obtained an injury while working a day or night shift at work, or suffered an injury from a unique situation, MyPhillyLawyer is here to help. It’s as simple as filling out a form on our site. A team member will be able to speak with you to better understand your situation and discuss the best next steps to take. 

The True Costs of Serious Injuries in Philadelphia County

In Philadelphia County in 2023, 18,587 people needed a hospital stay after serious injuries. The most common causes of injuries included falls, car accidents, pedestrian and bicyclist collisions, and accidental poisonings. The Department of Health estimates that about 76 percent of all hospitalizations for injury were for “unintentional” injuries. In 657 cases, these injuries proved fatal. 

The costs of these injuries were steep. In Philadelphia County in 2023, the median hospital stay for an injury cost $77,108. This is approximately $17,000 more than the estimated median annual income for a Philadelphia County family, according to the Federal Reserve. 

The median cost of a fatal injury was higher than the median for all injuries. The median hospitalization for a fatal injury in 2023 was $178,713. This number is particularly significant: It demonstrates the high cost that a Philadelphia family may face as they lose a loved one. These high costs, combined with the loss of a family member, can be particularly burdensome for families and households.

How Injuries Are Impacting Philadelphia’s Wallet: A $2.8 Billion Breakdown

In 2023, hospital costs after injuries cost Philadelphia County residents over $2.8 billion.  Fatal injuries contributed about $231 million to the total. Other high injury costs included: 

• Slips, trips, and falls: Over $1 billion
• Motor vehicle accidents: Over $319 million
• Accidental poisoning: Over $376 million
• Burn injuries: $60 million
• Pedestrian and bicyclist injuries: Over $17 million

The injuries with the highest median costs included suffocation injuries, pedestrian injuries, burn injuries, drowning or near-drowning, and motor vehicle crashes. 

Insurance Coverage and the Financial Reality for the Uninsured

Public insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid, covered approximately 80 percent of hospital costs for serious injuries in Philadelphia County in 2023, while private insurers covered 17 percent. Uninsured Philadelphians, however, faced a median of $58,090 in expenses per hospital stay and accounted for over $70 million in total costs. 

For those without insurance, a serious injury can be even more devastating. Not only must the injured person struggle to recover from their injuries, but they must also deal with high medical bills and access to care. Without compensation from the party at fault for the accident, an uninsured person and their family can face lifelong medical and financial struggles.

It’s crucial to find the right attorney as soon as you can. Contact our team of top-rated personal injury attorneys today to discuss your unique case. The process is simple, and we will explain your rights and discuss what course of action is best for you. Call us today!

How a Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Handle Your Accident Today

Recovering from a serious injury occupies every moment of your time and every ounce of your energy. Fighting for compensation on top of this recovery can feel impossible. When an accident proves fatal, carrying your grief while also fighting for compensation can be overwhelming. 

A knowledgeable Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help in several ways. Your attorney can: 

• Investigate your case to determine who is at fault for your injuries,
• Calculate the full amount of compensation you need,
• Negotiate with insurance companies to get the results you require,
• Advocate for full, fair compensation while protecting your legal rights, and
• Build a strong case for negotiation and trial, if necessary.

To manage your costs, speak to an attorney who will take your case “on contingency.” This means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless your attorney wins compensation for you. To learn more, talk to the team at MyPhillyLawyer today.