A severe injury can change your life and ruin your future plans. Because of this, you might not know what to do next. If another party is responsible for your injuries, you need to think about your needs in the future when you pursue compensation. Although a settlement from the insurance company can cover your current medical expenses if you have a mild injury, it may not be enough to cover the medical care you might need in the future. This is the reason you need to speak with a Salem Oregon personal injury lawyer before you accept any settlement offer from the responsible party’s insurer. Your lawyer will inform you of your options and what you can be done to help you secure maximum compensation.
Taking Your Treatments into Account
To determine your future medical expenses, you must consider the kinds of treatment you might need. Your future medical development can be unpredictable and nobody knows how this may later your care plans. Thus, you need to get feedback from both your care providers and lawyer. An injury lawyer will use different kinds of evidence to estimate possible care costs, including doctor input, treatment plans for patients who have similar injuries, and current expenses.
Calculating Lifestyle Expenses
Does your lifestyle need to change because of your injury? If so, your lawyer may use this to estimate your future care costs. This can apply if you suffer a major injury like a traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Your attorney will assume that you cannot live independently anymore because of your injury and so, your future medical expenses settlement must cover the long-term care you may need.
However, such an approach is only used when your injury permanently changes your independent level or lifestyle. An example is a seriously broken leg bone in several locations. This complex injury will require several follow-up surgeries; however, it won’t make you dependent on other people forever. If you sustain this type of injury, your lawyer will consider the specific costs related to your current and future medical care.
Getting Medical Testimony
To get a fair settlement for your personal injury claim, you need medical testimony. To strengthen your case, your lawyer may use your actual care team’s knowledge of your injuries and the possible trajectory they will follow. Also, they may work with recognized experts in your kind of injury. These experts can give insights on the kind of future care you may need, the amount of care you may need, and the impact of your injuries on your life.
