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How Are Future Medical Expenses Calculated in an Injury Case?

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stethoscope and billing statement

In personal injury cases, especially ones where the victim is seriously hurt, one of the most important considerations is making sure that future medical expenses are accurately calculated and accounted for. When establishing the total damages an individual is entitled to it is crucial to ensure that any future care required for their recovery is included. Calculating these costs can be complex but it is necessary to ensure fair compensation. Work with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer during your case for knowledgeable representation and legal advice.

Why Are Future Medical Expenses Important?

Future medical expenses are the estimated costs of medical treatment that a victim of an accident may incur later on as a result of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. These costs can include a wide range of potential expenses associated with the plaintiff’s recovery. Some examples include the following.

  • Hospital stays
  • Doctor appointments
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Surgeries
  • Physical therapy
  • Medication
  • Mental health counseling
  • Long-term care
  • In-home care
  • Modifications to the home or car
  • Transportation costs

Some accidents leave victims with complex injuries that can take years to completely heal. Others result in permanent and lifelong disabilities. Calculating future medical expenses ensures that the victim is not left to cover these costs alone when the injury was caused by the defendant’s actions.

How Are Future Medical Expenses Calculated?

Calculating future medical expenses can be a long and complex process. It is impossible to see the future so there is no knowing with 100% certainty what medical care the victim will need. With that being said, there are generally two methods of calculating these anticipated costs.

  1. Additional expense method: This method outlines the temporary additional expenses that an individual is expected to incur during recovery. This works best for individuals who do not have permanent injuries and are expected to make a full recovery. Using this method professionals will determine how different the individual’s life will need to be during this time and what the costs associated with those changes are.
  2. Total lifestyle method: This method is used for individuals who are not expected to completely recover or ever return to the lifestyle they had before the accident. Using this method a detailed care plan will be created that outlines the care the individual will need for the rest of their life and the changes necessary to their home, vehicle, and daily life.

These methods will be used while considering the plaintiff’s age, life expectancy, general health, the severity of the injury, inflation, insurance coverage, the expected increase in medical costs, and more. Medical and economic professionals can offer testimony explaining why the care is necessary and the approximate associated costs.

Accurately calculating future medical expenses is crucial in a personal injury case. Work with an experienced lawyer to learn more about your rights and legal options.

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