When you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, the medical bills don’t always stop once you leave the hospital. Many victims face ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or even permanent medical needs that continue for months or years. In Texas, personal injury law allows you to pursue compensation not just for past expenses — but also for future medical costs related to your injury.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, truck crash, workplace incident, or other serious event, here’s what you need to know about recovering compensation for future medical care.
What Are Future Medical Costs?
Future medical costs refer to the estimated expenses you’ll incur after your case resolves — whether through settlement or trial. These costs can include:
- Follow-up surgeries
- Ongoing physical or occupational therapy
- Long-term medications
- Home healthcare or in-home assistance
- Rehabilitation programs
- Assistive devices (wheelchairs, prosthetics, braces)
- Counseling or mental health treatment
- Home modifications for mobility or accessibility
- Periodic imaging or specialist evaluations
In short, anything medically necessary that stems from your injury and is expected to continue after your case concludes.
When Are Future Medical Costs Recoverable?
To recover these costs in a Texas personal injury case, you must show:
- The need for future care is likely — not just possible
- The care is related to the injury caused by the accident
- There’s a reasonable estimate of the cost
Your attorney will often work with doctors, life care planners, or medical economists to calculate and support the projected costs with evidence.
Common Injuries That Require Long-Term Care
Future medical expenses are especially common in cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Amputations or severe fractures
- Burn injuries requiring skin grafts
- Internal organ damage
- Chronic pain disorders
- PTSD or other psychological injuries
These injuries may involve care plans lasting decades — and in some cases, for the rest of a person’s life.
How Future Costs Are Calculated in Texas
There’s no set formula, but courts and insurance companies look at:
- The nature and severity of the injury
- Prognosis from medical professionals
- The injured person’s age and life expectancy
- Expected frequency and duration of treatment
- Current and projected costs of medical services
- Inflation and rising healthcare costs
Expert witnesses often create a detailed life care plan, outlining all expected treatment needs and assigning dollar values to each component.
Why It’s Critical to Account for Future Medical Expenses
Once you settle a personal injury claim in Texas, it’s final. That means:
- You cannot go back later to request more money if your condition worsens
- Any settlement must include both current and future medical costs
- Failing to calculate these expenses properly may leave you paying out of pocket for years
Insurance companies will often push for a quick settlement — but that settlement rarely includes a realistic projection of long-term needs. Having legal representation ensures your future isn’t left out of the equation.
Spagnoletti Law Firm Pursues Full Compensation for Injury Victims
If your injuries will require ongoing care, don’t settle for short-term relief. You deserve compensation that reflects your total medical needs, not just your first round of bills.
Spagnoletti Law Firm helps personal injury victims across Texas recover full compensation — including future medical expenses. We work with experts to build strong, evidence-backed claims and fight for the recovery you’ll need now and for the years ahead.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation with a Texas personal injury attorney. No fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.