April 8, 2024
personal injury

Personal injury cases often involve injuries that leave victims with long-term harm. For instance, a car accident might result in chronic back pain, or a slip and fall could lead to a long-lasting head injury.

While victims can receive compensation for immediate expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages, seeking compensation for future damages is also possible. These include losses that haven’t occurred yet but are anticipated due to the injury.

If you were hurt in a personal injury accident, our Alabama personal injury lawyers at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you estimate accurate future damages, getting you the maximum compensation you deserve.

What Are Future Damages?

Future damages compensate you for anticipated losses or expenses resulting from your personal injury. It covers care requirements that are expected to last into the future as well as a potential decrease in your earning capacity.

Future damages are crucial for your long-term recuperation. They provide a promise of financial security and stability, enabling you to focus on your recovery without the stress of looming expenses or financial losses.

Types of Future Damages

You can seek various types of future damages in your personal injury settlement, including: 

Type of DamageDescriptionExamples
Future Medical ExpensesCosts for ongoing medical care related to treating or managing your injuries.Includes physical therapy, medications, surgeries, and any future medical equipment needed.
Lost Earning CapacityIncome you’re unable to earn in the future due to the injury’s impact on your working abilities.Covers lost future salary, potential promotions, bonuses, and benefits like stocks or retirement contributions.
Pain and SufferingCompensation for chronic pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life that persists or emerges over time.Encompasses physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of hobbies or activities that brought joy.
Loss of ConsortiumCompensation for the missed companionship, support, and intimacy with a spouse or partner due to the injury.   For children, this compensation addresses the absence of parental guidance and support that results from the injury.    Involves the impact on the relationship, including loss of affection and intimate relations.   Addresses the absence of parental care and involvement in education and upbringing.      

Factors Influencing Future Damages

Calculating future damages in your personal injury claim is a complex process that may involve the following expert opinions and professional evaluations:

  • Expert Testimony: Medical professionals can evaluate the long-term health consequences of your injury, while economists can analyze its effect on your earning capacity. Their expertise provides a solid basis for assessing the enduring effects of your injury on your financial and personal life.
  • Medical Assessments: Detailed medical assessments help forecast your future care needs and physical limitations. For example, functional capacity evaluations can determine your ability to perform work-related tasks post-injury. These assessments and diagnostic tests such as MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans can develop the full picture of your injuries and their long-term effects. 
  • Economic Projections: Economists use wage growth rates, inflation, and career trajectory analysis to estimate how your injury affects your future earning potential. This includes lost future wages, missed promotions, and the value of benefits like health insurance or retirement savings impacted by your inability to work as before.

How Our Attorneys Help You Win Future Damages

A skilled personal injury attorney will make sure you include future damages as part of your recovery award. Our team at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can advocate for your interests through:

  • Accurate Damage Calculation: Leveraging expert testimony, medical evaluations, and economic analyses, we accurately calculate the full extent of your future damages. This ensures that every aspect of your long-term needs is considered, from ongoing medical care to adjustments in your career.
  • Providing Clear Reports and Expert Witness Testimony: To support your claim, we compile detailed reports that clearly outline the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. We coordinate expert witness testimony to reinforce the credibility of your claim, providing clear, professional insights into your medical and financial future.
  • Negotiating With Insurers: We skillfully negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement that fully covers your current and future needs.
  • Court Representation: Our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court, with a strong case highlighting the depth of your injuries and the necessity for future damages.

Get Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need legal representation to help you receive a fair settlement that accounts for both current and future damages. By winning compensation that includes future damages, you ensure that your well-being and financial stability are protected in the years to come.

Contact us today to discuss your case and learn The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help.

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