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After a car accident, victims often face mounting medical bills from emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. While these immediate expenses are easier to tally, many accidents leave victims with long-term or even permanent medical needs. Calculating future medical costs is one of the most critical—and complex—parts of a car accident claim. Car accident lawyers play a vital role in ensuring that victims receive fair compensation that accounts for both current and future healthcare expenses.
Why Future Medical Costs Matter
Some injuries heal within weeks, but others require years of treatment. For example, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe fractures often lead to ongoing physical therapy, medications, or additional surgeries. If these costs are not included in a settlement, victims may be left struggling to cover their medical needs long after their case is closed.
A lawyer’s job is to make sure the settlement reflects the full financial impact of the accident—not just the bills that have already arrived.
Reviewing Medical Records And Prognoses
As our friends at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. can confirm, the calculation process often begins with a thorough review of medical records. Lawyers consult with doctors and specialists to understand the nature of the injury and the expected course of treatment. A physician’s prognosis is especially important in estimating how long the victim will need care and what type of care is necessary.
For instance, a doctor may determine that a client will need physical therapy three times a week for the next two years. That information becomes the foundation for projecting costs.
Working With Medical Experts
Car accident lawyers frequently collaborate with medical experts, such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or rehabilitation specialists, to provide testimony on the likely future medical needs of their client. These experts can outline expected procedures, the frequency of treatments, and potential complications that could increase costs. Their testimony adds credibility and weight to the lawyer’s calculations, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute the claim.
Factoring In Different Types Of Costs
Future medical expenses include more than just doctor visits. A lawyer carefully evaluates:
- Ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, or psychological)
- Prescription medications for pain management or long-term treatment
- Assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces, or prosthetics
- In-home care or nursing services for clients with significant disabilities
- Surgical procedures that may be needed years after the initial accident
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
Each of these elements can significantly increase the total claim value.
Using Life Care Planners And Economists
For serious injuries, lawyers may bring in life care planners—professionals who specialize in projecting long-term medical needs and costs. These experts create detailed reports that estimate lifetime expenses, including inflation and changing healthcare costs. Economists may also be consulted to calculate the present value of future expenses, ensuring the settlement truly covers the client’s needs over time.
Future medical costs are one of the most important components of a car accident settlement. Without them, victims risk being left with overwhelming financial burdens for years to come. Car accident lawyers take a proactive, evidence-based approach—working with doctors, experts, and financial specialists—to ensure these expenses are accurately calculated and aggressively pursued. By doing so, they help accident victims secure the resources they need not only for recovery today but for a healthier future tomorrow.
