Catastrophic car crash injuries change far more than a person’s immediate medical needs. For many injured individuals, the greatest financial burden lies in the care they will require for years or decades to come. Surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, assistive devices, and long-term therapy can create expenses that extend well beyond the initial hospital stay.
Under Georgia law, injured people may pursue compensation not only for medical bills already incurred, but also for reasonably anticipated future medical costs. Proving these future damages, however, requires careful documentation, expert analysis, and strategic presentation.
What Are Future Medical Damages?
Future medical damages represent the cost of medical care that an injured person is reasonably expected to need after the case resolves.
These damages may include:
- Additional surgeries.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Pain management treatment.
- Prescription medications.
- Durable medical equipment.
- In-home care or assisted living.
- Follow-up diagnostic testing.
The goal is to account for the full scope of medical needs over time.
Why Future Medical Costs Are Often Disputed
Insurance companies rarely accept future medical projections at face value. They may argue that treatment is speculative, unnecessary, or exaggerated.
Common defense positions include:
- Claiming the injured person will “fully recover.”
- Suggesting cheaper treatment alternatives.
- Arguing that future care is unrelated.
- Disputing the severity of injuries.
Because future damages are not yet incurred, insurers view them as easier to attack.
The Role of Treating Physicians
Treating doctors play a central role in establishing future medical needs.
Physicians may provide opinions regarding:
- Permanency of injury.
- Likelihood of future surgery.
- Ongoing therapy requirements.
- Expected complications.
- Long-term functional limitations.
Clear, well-supported medical opinions create a foundation for future damage claims.
Life Care Planning
In catastrophic injury cases, life care planners are often used.
A life care planner evaluates medical records, consults with physicians, and prepares a comprehensive plan outlining anticipated care and associated costs.
A life care plan may address:
- Medical treatment schedules.
- Therapy frequency.
- Equipment replacement timelines.
- Home modification needs.
- Personal care assistance.
These plans translate medical needs into measurable financial figures.
Linking Future Care to the Crash
Future medical damages must be causally connected to the crash injuries.
This connection is established through:
- Medical records.
- Physician opinions.
- Diagnostic imaging.
- Treatment history.
Defense attorneys often argue that future problems stem from aging or preexisting conditions. Medical experts help clarify what caused or worsened the crash.
The Importance of Consistent Treatment
Gaps in treatment can be used to argue that injuries are not resolved or are not serious.
Consistent care:
- Demonstrates ongoing symptoms.
- Documents progression.
- Supports future care projections.
Following medical recommendations strengthens credibility.
Catastrophic Injuries That Commonly Generate Future Medical Damages
Certain injuries frequently require lifelong care.
These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Severe orthopedic fractures.
- Amputations.
- Severe burns.
The more complex the injury, the more critical future medical damage analysis becomes.
How Our Attorneys Build Future Medical Damage Claims
Future damages are built from the beginning of the case, not at the end.
Our attorneys focus on:
- Collecting complete medical records.
- Coordinating with treating physicians.
- Retaining life care planners and economists.
- Anticipating defense arguments.
- Presenting damages clearly and persuasively.
This preparation helps ensure future needs are not overlooked.
Speak With Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers About Future Medical Damages
If you or someone you love suffered catastrophic injuries in a Georgia car crash, understanding future medical costs is essential. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Ashby Thelen Lowry may be able to take your case and evaluate the full scope of care you may need going forward.
Talking with our lawyers and support staff can help determine whether future medical damages are being properly considered. Call (404) 777-7771 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can review your case with care and precision.