In Texas, accident victims have a right to recover compensation for their current economic and non-economic damages. However, they also have a right to recover compensation for damages they can reasonably anticipate incurring in the future. Working with an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer is key to accurately identifying and valuing all damages you may be entitled to recover.
When Future Medical Expenses Are Included in Car Accident Claims
Not all personal injury claims require figuring out future medical expenses. For example, if you suffered a minor injury and have completely healed, you may not require any additional medical treatment. However, if you have suffered a serious injury that will likely require future medical care, prolonged rehabilitation, or surgeries, the cost of this care should be accurately reflected in your car accident claim. An experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim for future medical expenses.
Common Examples of Future Medical Expenses
Future medical expenses can encompass a wide array of charges you may face as a patient, including:
- Future surgeries and hospital stays
- Follow-up care with your primary care physician
- Specialist visits
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy
- Medication
- Specialized medical equipment
- Costs associated with pain management treatments
- Psychological counseling
- In-home nursing care
These costs can be substantial. An experienced attorney can work closely with your medical team to identify your future care needs and fight to include a fair value for these future medical expenses in your San Antonio personal injury claim.
Valuing Future Medical Expenses After an Accident
Accurately determining your future medical expenses can be a complex process that involves some speculation. Healthcare providers can carefully review your medical records and assess which treatments might be most effective in treating your particular medical condition, possibly comparing your future health outcomes to those of other patients of similar ages with similar conditions.
Hiring medical expert witnesses who can testify about your future care needs may be necessary. An economist who can project costs over several years or your lifetime may also be necessary. These experts may have to base their estimates of the value of your claim on various factors specific to your claim, including:
- The type and nature of your injuries
- The particular types of healthcare recommended for your condition
- Rates of inflation and potential changes in healthcare costs
- Your age and overall health before the injury
- Insurance coverage
- Out-of-pocket costs
An experienced personal injury lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to establish all aspects of your personal injury claim and present a compelling case for maximum compensation.
If you have suffered a severe injury that will likely result in future medical expenses, you need proper legal representation. George Salinas Injury Lawyers has extensive experience handling complex personal injury claims. You can discuss your case and how we can help when you contact us for a free consultation.