Understanding Future Medical Care in Personal Injury Cases

Do you ever wonder what happens after a personal injury settlement is finalized? Most people assume that once the check clears, their medical worries are over. Unfortunately, for many people, the road to recovery continues long after a settlement. Surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatments can pop up months or even years later.

​So, how is future medical handled in a settlement? How can you make sure that future medical care in personal injury cases is actually covered, rather than leaving you stuck with bills down the road? Let’s break it down.

What Are Future Medical Expenses?

This term refers to any medical treatment or care you’ll likely need after your case settles. In other words, it’s the care you may need tomorrow, next year, or even for the rest of your life because of the injuries you suffered. These expenses can include surgeries your doctor anticipates, physical therapy, prescription medications, follow-up appointments, and long-term care for severe or permanent injuries. It’s easy to focus only on your current bills, but not taking into consideration future medical expenses can leave you responsible for thousands of dollars in costs later. So why settle for less than what you’re owed?

Now, ​you might wonder how they even come up with such numbers if the incident hasn’t even occurred yet, right? Attorneys work closely with doctors and medical professionals to estimate these costs, looking at factors such as the type of injury, your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, potential need for surgery or long-term care, as well as inflation and rising medical costs. For example, if your doctor expects that you’ll need back surgery in a few years, that cost should be considered in your settlement now. 

What about the impact of surgery on a personal injury settlement? Surgery can significantly affect your settlement because it often changes the scope of your recovery and the financial support you’ll need. If a future surgery is likely, your attorney will work with your doctors to estimate all related costs. These anticipated expenses are crucial for securing a settlement that truly reflects your future medical needs compensation. 

​How Is Future Medical Care in Personal Injury Cases Handled?

The two most common payments are either a lump-sum settlement or a structured settlement. With a lump-sum settlement, you receive a single payment meant to cover your current and future medical needs. This can be convenient; however, it requires careful calculation to ensure it accounts for ongoing medical needs. In a structured settlement, payments are spread out over time to align with your anticipated treatment schedules. Your lawyer will help determine which approach best fits your situation and long-term recovery plan.

Another important factor to keep in mind are medical liens in a personal injury case. These are claims by healthcare providers or insurance companies for repayment from your settlement. Liens can reduce the amount you receive, particularly if future medical expenses are involved. A skilled attorney can help negotiate these liens, allowing more of your settlement to go toward your actual care.

Although it could be tempting to accept a quick settlement, remember that once it’s signed, there’s no going back. Even if your injuries worsen, you can’t ask for more money later. Having an experienced attorney ensures that your medical care is accurately projected and fairly compensated. California personal injury laws can be complex and there’s no need to figure it all out on your own.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you’re in Southern California and are in need of sound legal advice, reach out to Yepremyan Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in North Hollywood. Additionally, you can request to speak with one of our Glendale personal injury lawyers. Our team is available 24/7 and offers free case evaluations to help injured individuals navigate difficult times.

Since 1998, our personal injury law firm in North Hollywood has helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars. Call us today to see how we can help you. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case—no recovery, no fee.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.