Determining Future Medical Expenses in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
When pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, one of the critical elements that your attorney will consider is future medical expenses. Future medical expenses refer to the medical costs you are likely to incur in the future as a result of the injury you sustained in the accident. Calculating future medical expenses is crucial because it helps ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, even after the case has concluded. Here are the steps to calculate future medical expenses in a personal injury lawsuit:
1. Document Your Current Medical Expenses
Before you can calculate your future medical expenses, you must first document your current medical expenses. Keep track of all the medical bills and expenses related to your injury, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy costs. This documentation will help your attorney to establish a baseline for the medical expenses you have already incurred.
2. Obtain a Medical Assessment
To determine your future medical expenses, you will need to obtain a medical assessment from a qualified medical professional. This assessment should provide an estimate of the future medical treatments and procedures you may require as a result of your injuries. This assessment may involve consulting with medical experts, such as doctors, therapists, or rehabilitation specialists, to estimate the cost of future treatments and procedures.
3. Calculate the Cost of Future Medical Treatment
Once you have obtained a medical assessment, your attorney can use this information to calculate the cost of future medical treatment. This calculation will take into account the type of medical treatments and procedures you may need, the frequency of those treatments, and the estimated cost of those treatments. The calculation may also consider any inflation or price increases that may occur in the future.
4. Factor in the Length of Time for Future Treatment
Your attorney will also consider the length of time that you will require medical treatment in the future. The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of your injuries and the rate at which you are expected to recover. For example, a person with a severe spinal cord injury may require ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy for the rest of their life, whereas someone with a broken bone may only need a few months of treatment.
5. Account for Future Income Losses
In addition to future medical expenses, your attorney may also consider any future income losses you may incur as a result of your injuries. For example, if your injury prevents you from returning to work or requires you to switch to a lower-paying job, your attorney may factor in the lost income you will experience in the future.
Calculating future medical expenses in a personal injury lawsuit is a complex process that requires the expertise of an experienced attorney. By documenting your current medical expenses, obtaining a medical assessment, and factoring in the length of time for future treatment and income losses, your attorney can provide an accurate estimate of the compensation you require to cover your future medical expenses.
Contact Coffman Law Offices, P.C.
Coffman Law is committed to providing superb legal representation for people who are suffering from severe personal injuries or are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. Coffman Law is a results-driven firm focused on ensuring that clients receive the compassion, attention, and consideration that they need to seek adequate redress for injuries or loss. The firm is led by Owner and Founding Partner Brian Coffman, who has dedicated his career to helping accident victims navigate the legal system and obtain redress for their injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one, contact Coffman Law today for a free consultation.