What Are Future Medical Expenses?
Future Medical Expenses are the anticipated costs of medical care a person may need after an injury. These expenses can include ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, prescription medication, and related care. In a personal injury claim, the expenses are considered economic damages when evidence connects the projected care to the injury.
Quick Facts About Future Medical Expenses
Category
Economic damages
Used for
Projected injury-related care
Common confusion
Future costs differ from past medical bills
Also called
Future medical costs, Projected Medical Expenses
Often discussed with
Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Key Takeaways About Future Medical Expenses
- They address care that may occur after a claim resolves.
- Medical records and expert opinions can support projected treatment.
- They are not the same as bills already incurred.
How Future Medical Expenses Works
Future Medical Expenses are estimated by examining the injury, treatment history, medical records, and expected care. A treating physician or other qualified professional may explain what care the injury may require and why that care relates to the injury.
Related glossary terms: Economic Damages, Medical Records, Expert Witness.
The estimate may address ongoing visits, rehabilitation, equipment, medication, or changes in daily care. The claim must connect each projected expense to the injury and provide a reasonable basis for the estimate. A spinal cord injury may involve long-term rehabilitation and adaptive equipment, so the projected needs can extend beyond the initial hospital stay.
From the Atlanta Auto Law team
When we review a spinal cord injury claim, we examine medical records, treatment plans, and opinions about continuing care. We separate projected injury-related needs from unrelated health costs. Our team also checks whether the evidence explains why each anticipated expense may be necessary.
Future Medical Expenses in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with a spinal cord injury may need continuing rehabilitation, mobility equipment, and assistance with daily activities. A claim may present those anticipated costs as Future Medical Expenses when medical evidence connects them to the injury.
Related Services
Related Terms
Economic Damages
Economic Damages are measurable financial losses linked to an injury. In a brain injury claim, these…
Medical Records
Medical Records are written or electronic documents that describe a patient’s care, condition, testing, treatment, and…
Expert Witness
An Expert Witness is a qualified professional who gives specialized opinions about facts or issues that…
Damages
Damages are the losses or harm that the law may recognize after another person’s wrongful conduct…
Atlanta Auto Law
Have Questions About Future Medical Expenses?
Contact Atlanta Auto Law for practical guidance on Future Medical Expenses and related personal injury attorney work in Atlanta.