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Can You Get Lifelong Medical Care in a Personal Injury Claim?
When a serious injury results in lifelong medical needs, accident victims often worry about how they will afford ongoing care. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and long-term treatment can place a financial strain on both the injured person and their family. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation to cover lifelong medical expenses.
At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we are a well-resourced personal injury firm that has the ability to connect clients with expert witnesses, including physicians who can testify about the extent of an injury and the need for long-term financial assistance. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers are prepared to fight for the full compensation you need.
When Do Personal Injury Cases Involve Lifelong Medical Care?
Not all personal injury claims involve lifelong medical expenses, but certain types of injuries often require ongoing care. When an injury is severe enough to cause permanent disability or chronic medical conditions, the financial burden can be overwhelming.
Cases that commonly involve long-term medical needs include spinal cord injuries that cause partial or total paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or reduced motor function, and severe burns that require multiple reconstructive surgeries and continuous wound care.
Birth injuries such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries can also lead to permanent disabilities, requiring specialized medical treatment, mobility assistance, and ongoing therapy for a child’s entire life.
Orthopedic injuries, such as severe fractures or joint damage, may result in degenerative conditions, arthritis, and chronic pain that require continued care. Amputations often necessitate prosthetic use, rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications.
In each of these situations, the injury does not just result in an immediate medical expense; it leads to a lifetime of medical bills, physical therapy sessions, and home modifications that can be incredibly costly.
If an injury is expected to impact a person’s daily life, ability to work, or long-term health, then the cost of future medical care must be factored into a personal injury claim. Failing to account for these expenses can leave an injury victim without the financial resources needed to maintain their quality of life.
What Types of Lifelong Medical Care Might Be Needed After a Catastrophic Injury?
The type of medical care required will depend on the severity of the injury, the person’s long-term prognosis, and their ability to regain independence. Chronic pain management and routine medical evaluations are often necessary for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries, and treatment can extend far beyond hospital stays. Many victims require ongoing doctor visits and specialist care, particularly for injuries that impact multiple body systems.
For those with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment become lifelong necessities. Home and vehicle modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and specialized driving equipment, may be required to accommodate physical limitations. Physical and occupational therapy can help injury victims regain some mobility, but in severe cases, full independence may never be possible.
Some injuries, particularly those involving the brain or nervous system, require mental health support and rehabilitation therapy. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common among serious injury survivors, necessitating ongoing counseling or psychiatric care. Additionally, some individuals may require in-home nursing care or full-time residential care if they are unable to perform daily tasks on their own.
The cost of these treatments can reach millions of dollars over a lifetime, especially when considering inflation and the increasing cost of medical services. Without proper compensation, an injury victim and their family may struggle to afford the necessary care, leading to a lower quality of life and financial instability. This is why it is essential to ensure that all long-term medical needs are accounted for in a personal injury claim, preventing a situation where medical expenses become overwhelming years after a settlement has been reached.
How Can You Prove That You Will Need Lifelong Medical Care?
Insurance companies will often dispute claims for future medical expenses, arguing that an injured person does not need as much care as they claim. This is where having expert testimony becomes crucial.
At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we work with medical experts, life care planners, and financial analysts who can provide evidence that proves the extent of an injury and the likelihood of long-term disability. These professionals can also calculate the estimated costs of future medical care and demonstrate how an injury impacts a person’s ability to work and earn income. A strong legal team with access to expert witnesses can make all the difference in proving the need for lifelong medical compensation.
What Is the Wisconsin Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
In Wisconsin, personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. If a claim is not filed within this time, an injured person may lose the right to seek compensation.
However, cases involving long-term injuries can take time to develop. If you have suffered an injury and are not sure about your legal options, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Can You Get More Money from a Personal Injury Case After a Settlement or Verdict?
Once a personal injury case is settled or a verdict is awarded, it is not possible to go back and ask for more compensation later — even if medical costs turn out to be higher than expected. This is why it is so important to ensure that all future medical expenses are accounted for before accepting a settlement.
Insurance companies often try to push for quick settlements that may not fully cover long-term medical care. A personal injury attorney can negotiate for a settlement that truly meets an injury victim’s needs, rather than one that leaves them struggling with expenses down the road.
Should You Settle or Take Your Case to Court?
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but some cases may require litigation if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount. We are not afraid to go all of the way and litigate in court to achieve the results you deserve.
At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we will fight for the maximum compensation available.
Contact a Wisconsin Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury that requires lifelong medical care, do not leave your financial future to chance. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we have the resources, experience, and expert connections to fight for the full compensation you need.
Call 414-271-1440 today for a free consultation with a Wisconsin personal injury attorney, and let us help you build a case for lifelong financial security.
