Recovering damages for future medical expenses

On Behalf of | May 2, 2023 | Injuries |

It’s hard to imagine how much your life can change in a split second until it happens to you. For example, an unexpected accident resulting in a catastrophic spinal cord injury can mean enduring physical pain and suffering. What’s more devastating is that you might face mounting medical bills because your treatment may last for the rest of your life.

Below are some of the longer-term expenses of spinal cord injuries:

  • Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, including surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy and occupational therapy
  • Home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom modifications
  • Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
  • Emotional trauma and pain and suffering
  • Mental health concerns related to the injury you sustained
  • Long-term care, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management and more

The average cost of spinal cord injury in the first year alone is over $1 million, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. To keep up with the expenses, you have to make sure that you recover compensation for your injury, and this should include all future medical treatment.

Filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit against negligence

spinal cord injury is one of the most common catastrophic injuries that can have long-term and life-changing effects. If the accident that caused your injury results from someone else’s (or a business’s) negligence, you have the right to claim compensation. You can also file a catastrophic injury lawsuit to recover damages for your future medical expenses.

Calculations for catastrophic injuries and damages place a strong emphasis on the following:

  • Long-term impairment
  • Cost of ongoing medical care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Loss of your capacity to get a job
  • How much help do you need help to fulfill simple daily activities
  • Length of time to reach the Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – usually lasts a lifetime

Calculating future medical expenses can be complex, so it would be wise to enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer to help you determine the full extent of your future medical expenses and build a strong case for damages.

It is also important to note that although New Jersey law allows for the recovery of damages for future medical expenses, there are limitations. In some cases, damages may be capped at a certain amount, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.

Spinal cord injury costs can be extensive and long-lasting, but you do not need to carry all the burden if you can fight for the compensation you deserve, especially if your accident was due to negligence.

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