Calculating Future Medical Expenses in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Future Medical Costs in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Recovery of future medical expenses in cases involving catastrophic injury ensures the victim is provided the ongoing medical care they need.

These damages cover lifelong expenses like surgeries, rehabilitation services, and home modifications which can cost a great deal of money.

Not every personal injury victim needs compensation for future medical care, in most cases victims fully recover and require no ongoing treatment.

 

For personal injury victims that will require long-term and ongoing medical treatment it is essential to calculate the costs accurately so they can be fairly compensated.

Speak with a personal injury attorney at Lawsuit Legal to get the legal help you need to get ensure you're fairly compensated for your lifetime medical costs.

 

How Are Future Medical Expenses Calculated?

To calculate future medical costs in catastrophic injury cases your attorney will consider the following factors: Your age, pre-existing conditions, medical condition and outlook, your life expectancy, historical costs for same treatments, and inflation.

Future medical costs must be proven with credible, expert-backed evidence that shows the care is necessary, reasonable, and directly tied to the injury.

We substantiate future medical expenses through life care plans, treating physician opinions, and medical records that document permanent impairment, ongoing symptoms, and the need for continued treatment.

These plans detail future surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, assistive devices, in-home care, and anticipated complications over the injured person's lifetime.

We use a life care plan to evaluate your injuries and outline the medical treatment you will need over your lifetime.

The Total Lifestyle Approach vs. Additional Expense Itemization

Two established methods are typically used to calculate future medical expenses in catastrophic injury cases: the total lifestyle method or the additional expense method.

The total lifestyle approach uses the life care plan to outline the ongoing expenses and future procedures deemed medically necessary to calculate the future medical damages.

The additional expense method itemizes the additional medical and care costs tied to recovery, to account for the specific expenses and project losses.

 

 

Types of Future Medical Costs in Personal Injury Cases:

Personal injury cases can seek to recover a variety of future medical costs including ongoing treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, assistive devices, and long-term care. Every severe injury case is unique and what damages you may be entitled depends upon the nature and specific facts of your case.

Ongoing Medical Treatment:

• Reconstructive surgeries
• Pain management procedures
• Regular physician consultations
• Diagnostic imaging and lab tests

Rehabilitation Services:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Cognitive rehabilitation

Prescription Medications:

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• Pain medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-seizure medications

Medical Equipment and Devices:

• Wheelchairs and mobility aids
• Prosthetic limbs
• Orthotics and braces
• Hospital beds and lifts

Home and Vehicle Modifications:

• Wheelchair ramps and accessible entrances
• Bathroom safety modifications
• Kitchen adaptations
• Vehicle hand controls or wheelchair lifts

In-Home Care Services:

• Skilled nursing care
• Personal care attendants
• Homemaker services
• Respite care for family caregivers

The total cost of lifetime medical care for the seriously injured can be substantial.

The projected medical care costs must be accurate to fully compensate for the future financial needs of the injured party.

If the claimed damages are not accurately calculated, the injured party may be left without the resources necessary to cover essential care.