When it becomes clear your injuries might never fully heal, fear and uncertainty set in. The question that often follows is simple but heavy: How am I going to afford this care for the rest of my life?
At Clark Frost Zucchi, we’ve helped car accident victims face this challenge for more than 35 years. Many clients come to us after learning that their recovery will take far longer and cost far more than they first imagined. Some of the most common ongoing medical needs we’ve had to account for in car accident claims include:
- Prescription medications
- Mobility aids and adaptive equipment
- In-home care or personal assistance
- Regular physical therapy sessions
- Future surgeries or medical procedures
Understanding how these future medical costs are calculated and how to make sure they’re included in your claim can make all the difference in protecting your future.
Who Pays for My Long-Term Treatment Costs After a Car Accident?
Several coverage sources can work together to fund your ongoing care. Your initial insurance payout might seem substantial, but it rarely covers decades of future medical needs.
Here are your main options for coverage:
The at-fault driver’s insurance provides compensation when liability is clear. Their policy limits determine how much is available for your claim.
Your own insurance coverage may include Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that covers immediate expenses regardless of fault.
Your health insurance company can cover treatment costs, though it may seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive.
Settlement negotiations allow you to secure a lump sum or structured payments specifically for future medical costs.
An experienced attorney can calculate your future medical costs accurately, so nothing gets overlooked when negotiating your settlement.
How Are Future Medical Costs Estimated?
Projecting long-term care costs is a detailed process involving attorneys, medical professionals, and financial planners. Here’s how it typically works:
- Document your care needs: Doctors outline ongoing therapy, medications, surgeries, and any assistive devices you may require.
- Translate care into measurable units: For example, number of therapy sessions per week, medication dosage, or hours of in-home care.
- Assign costs to each unit: Use current medical rates, hospital fees, or equipment costs to put a dollar value on each item.
- Factor in duration and inflation: Estimate how long each treatment will continue and adjust for rising healthcare costs.
- Calculate total projected costs: Combine all items into an overall estimate to show the true cost of future care.
- Present to insurers or in negotiations: Your attorney or financial planner uses this calculation to demonstrate the full value of your medical needs.
This method gives a clear picture of the total expenses ahead and makes it harder for important costs to be overlooked in your claim.
If My Condition Gets Worse Later On, Can I Reopen My Settlement?
Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot ask for additional money later, even if your condition deteriorates. This finality makes it crucial to account for all possible future complications before accepting any offer.
Some exceptions exist, such as structured settlements that provide ongoing payments rather than a lump sum. These arrangements can offer more flexibility if your condition changes, but they require careful planning during negotiations.
Why Is It Important to Work With an Attorney for Long-Term Claims?
An attorney’s role goes beyond just tallying numbers. They make certain that your claim fully accounts for every potential source of compensation and protect you from common pitfalls when dealing with insurance companies. Attorneys handle the negotiation, anticipate insurer tactics, and can structure settlements to cover future costs, including ongoing treatments, surgeries, or home care. Essentially, they make sure your claim isn’t limited by paperwork, policy details, or short-term thinking, leaving you free to focus on recovery.
Your Future Care Deserves Fair Compensation
Ongoing medical needs after a car accident demand comprehensive financial planning and aggressive advocacy. If your recovery isn’t over, your claim shouldn’t be either. Clark Frost Zucchi can help you plan for the care you’ll need now and in the future. Contact us today for a free consultation about your ongoing medical needs.
