Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains future medical expenses in a Greenville, SC, car accident claim. Here’s how they’re calculated and why insurers fight them.
What Are Future Medical Expenses in a South Carolina Car Accident Claim?
Future medical expenses in a South Carolina car accident claim are medical expenses that will occur after the claim for compensation ends. The person doesn’t have the bills yet because they haven’t received the medical care. These expenses are expected in the future.
Understanding future medical care in car accident claims
When a person is injured in a car accident, South Carolina car accident law gives them three years to file a claim for compensation. Then, car accident claims with significant injuries typically take six to 18 months. The compensation is awarded, and the case ends.
But what happens when the person hasn’t fully recovered by the end of the case? What happens when the person will still need medical care?
The legal case can’t be reopened. The person can’t bring a new claim.
What can they do to get fair compensation?
They must ensure that the claim for compensation seeks reimbursement for future medical expenses.
What Types of Future Medical Costs Are Recoverable After a Car Accident in Greenville?
Types of future medical expenses that are recoverable after a car accident in Greenville are:
- Doctor visits. Follow-up care with primary care physicians and specialists.
- Physical therapy. Rehabilitation to improve strength, mobility, and function.
- Mobility devices. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and similar assistive devices.
- Medical procedures. Future surgeries, joint replacements, or revision procedures.
- Long-term medical treatment. Ongoing care like nutrition, ventilation, or hydration.
- Prosthetics. Initial prosthetics and future replacements or adjustments.
- Prescription medications. Drugs needed to manage ongoing symptoms and pain.
- Durable medical equipment. Breathing machines, hospital beds, and other long-term medical equipment.
- Attendant care. Assistance with personal care and mobility.
- Health monitoring. Routine testing to monitor the person’s condition.
- Psychological care. Counseling, therapy, or other mental health care.
- Transportation. Cost of travel for medical care and appointments.
Future medical expenses vary from case to case. They will depend on several factors, including:
- Nature of injuries
- Severity of injuries
- Age of the person
- Overall health condition
- Pre-existing conditions
- Selected course of treatment
In your claim for compensation, you must identify expenses that are specific to your case.
How Are Future Medical Expenses Calculated in a SC Personal Injury Case?
Future medical expenses in a SC personal injury case are calculated by identifying the medical care the person is likely to need in the future. This can require significant investigation. The victim may not be aware of how they may be affected in the years to come. Medical experts might be needed to explain necessary care. An economic expert may be needed to value the cost of care.
The total is reduced to present value, which is the amount sought for future medical expenses in a SC personal injury case.
What Is a Life Care Plan and Why Does It Matter for Your Greenville Car Accident Claim?
A life care plan is a thorough evaluation of future needs after a car accident. Trained specialists examine the various aspects of living. They determine what treatment and care the person will need for the rest of their lives. In addition, this plan identifies ways to minimize pain and suffering and maximize quality of life.
Usually, people who create life care plans are healthcare professionals. While they are not specifically licensed in South Carolina, most are privately certified and highly credentialed.
A life care plan can be a critical part of a SC car accident claim.
What Is the Difference Between Past and Future Medical Expenses in a SC Car Accident Settlement?
In a car accident claim, a victim may claim both past and future medical expenses. For past medical expenses, bills establish exact costs. Records verify what treatment has already occurred.
By contrast, future expenses must be projected. To receive compensation, the person must show that the expenses are reasonably likely to occur in the future.
Why Future Medical Expenses Are the Most Undervalued Part of Greenville Car Accident Claims
Future medical expenses are often undervalued for several reasons:
Uncertain. The person’s long-term prognosis may not be known. There may be a range of possible medical outcomes.
Documentation. A claim for future medical expenses must have detailed supporting documentation.
Evidence admissibility. Qualified experts are usually needed. Specific steps must be followed to admit their testimony in court.
Various needs. There are many types of future medical needs, so it’s easy to overlook compensation that may be appropriate.
Aggressive insurance tactics. The insurance company may ask for invasive medical exams or records in an attempt to wear down the victim. They may argue pre-existing conditions.
An attorney can help you fight unfair insurance company tactics and pursue your case in full.
What To Do If You Have Serious Accident Injuries
Always seek prompt medical care and follow directives from your care providers. If you have serious injuries in a car accident, know that future medical expenses may be a part of your claim. When you file your case in court, you must include damages. As your case progresses, you must disclose information about your projected future medical needs and how they relate to the amount you are seeking.
Why Car Accident Victims With Serious Injuries in Greenville Need an Attorney To Protect Their Future Medical Claim
Future medical expenses can be a significant part of a Greenville car accident claim. Insurance companies aggressively fight high-value claims, including those involving future medical care.
An experienced Greenville attorney can protect your rights. They know what steps to take and can identify areas of focus based on the specifics of your case.
Lawyer for Future Medical Expenses in a Greenville, SC Car Accident Claim
Bobby Jones Law represents car accident victims. We handle claims in Greenville, SC, involving future medical expenses. Contact us now.
