How Future Medical Costs are Calculated after an Auto Accident in Alabama

When you’re hurt in a car accident, the road to recovery can be a long, painful, and costly journey. Although some injured victims are fortunate enough to fully heal, others may require long-term or even lifelong medical treatment. At Moore Law Firm, our automobile accident lawyers in Mobile, Alabama know that future medical costs can be staggering . Here, we help you understand how these expenses are calculated and how our car accident attorneys fight to obtain the resources you need to move forward after a crash.

What Are Future Medical Costs?

Future medical expenses are the anticipated cost of medical treatment and other types of care that an accident victim will need for their injuries. They are usually included as economic damages in a personal injury claim. Some examples include:

• Necessary surgeries and procedures
• Hospital stays
• Diagnostic testing
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Medications
• Mental health care
• Nursing and home care
• Long-term care/assisted living
• Medical equipment
• Prosthetics and assistive devices
• Home and vehicle modifications

Accurate calculation of future medical costs is particularly important for victims suffering from catastrophic injuries like paralysis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or amputation. Each person’s circumstance is different. Our car accident lawyers work closely with medical professionals, life care planners, and financial experts to assess potential future costs and determine what your claim is worth.

How Are Future Medical Costs Calculated?

Putting a dollar amount on future medical needs is a complex process. Our team meticulously gathers medical records and consults with treating doctors and experts to project long-term medical costs. Factors that are often considered include:

• A victim’s age, health status, and expected lifespan
• Estimated cost of future surgeries and therapies
• Frequency and duration of future medical treatments
• Prices of medications and medical supplies
• Different levels of nursing or personal care that may be required
• Long-term costs of prosthetics, assistive devices, and modifications
• Inflation and cost-of-living increases

Reaching an accurate figure is vital to negotiating a successful settlement and presenting convincing arguments to a jury at trial. Experts not only help our car accident lawyers calculate future medical costs, they also provide testimony that drives home the full physical, emotional, and financial long-term impact of your injuries.

What Other Damages Are Included in a Car Accident Injury Claim?

In addition to future medical expenses, your car accident lawyer may calculate damages such as:

• Past and future lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including emotional anguish, chronic pain, and loss of mobility
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship and consortium

How Does Alabama Law Affect Damages for Future Medical Expenses?

Contributory Negligence

Accident victims can seek compensation for both past and future damages in Alabama. However, because Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule, if a victim is found to be even 1% responsible for an accident, they may be prohibited from recovering any damages at all.

That’s why it’s especially important to find a personal injury lawyer with experience in handling complex car accident cases. Our automobile accident attorneys know how to clearly prove fault and defend against disputes over liability.

Statute of Limitations

In Alabama, you have two years from the date of injury to file a car accident lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation, including any funds you need for future medical care. Our car accident lawyers move quickly to accurately calculate all of your damages and get the ball rolling on your claim. Regardless of whether your case ultimately goes to trial, the sooner you seek legal counsel the better so we can promptly investigate, calculate damages, and begin building a strong case.

Why Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Auto accident claims involving future medical expenses are multifaceted. From understanding complicated future costs of a medical prognosis to presenting compelling economic data that resonates with juries, our car accident attorneys know what it takes to achieve successful outcomes for our clients.

We don’t back down from battles with powerful insurance companies who try to minimize injuries, downplay the cost of medical treatment, or shift blame onto victims. For more than 40 years, we’ve represented car accident victims in Mobile and throughout Alabama. We understand how devastating and life-changing these injuries are for victims and their families. Our car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the future care you need with dignity, tenacity, and compassion.

Contact a Mobile Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Moore Law Firm we help injured victims obtain the compensation they need to safeguard their health and move forward after an accident. To schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer near you in Alabama, Call 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch. Our automobile accident attorneys serve clients in Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland and surrounding communities.