After a serious accident, it is natural to focus on the immediate medical bills. But what happens if your injury means you will need treatment, therapy, medication or assistance for years to come?
If another person was legally responsible for your injury, you may be able to claim compensation for future medical expenses and ongoing care as part of a personal injury claim.
Future expenses can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medication, specialist treatment, medical equipment and rehabilitation. Depending on the injury, you may also need nursing care or help with everyday activities.
Your home may also need to be modified. Ramps, accessible bathrooms, specialised beds and other changes may be necessary to allow you to live safely and independently. Transportation and vehicle modifications may also form part of the claim where your mobility has been affected.
These expenses can continue long after the original accident. That is why it is important not to assess a serious personal injury claim based only on the medical bills you have received so far.
Medical evidence is particularly important. Doctors and other healthcare professionals may be asked to provide evidence about your condition, treatment requirements, prognosis and likely future needs. Financial and other expert evidence may also be required to properly calculate the cost of those needs.
A personal injury settlement should take into account the reasonable future consequences of the injury, not simply the expenses already incurred.
If you have suffered a serious injury, getting legal advice before accepting a settlement can be important. Once a claim is settled, it may not be possible to return later and ask for additional compensation because your future medical or care costs were underestimated.
