Medical Expenses That Could Be Included in an Accident Settlement
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, you’re probably wondering what medical expenses you can recover in a settlement. Accident-related medical costs can pile up quickly, from ambulance transportation to follow-up treatments and long-term care. The good news is that many of these expenses can be recovered in your personal injury claim as long as they are medically necessary and properly documented. In this blog, we outline the medical expenses you can pursue and other compensation you may include in your claim.
Medical Expenses That May Be Covered in a Settlement
If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover various medical expenses, including:
- Emergency medical treatments: This includes costs for ambulance transportation, ER visits, and any immediate treatments you receive to stabilize your condition.
- Hospital stays: If your injuries require hospitalization, the costs associated with your hospital stay can be factored into your settlement.
- Doctor visits: The costs of doctor’s appointments and any prescribed treatments can be included in the claim.
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging tests, are required to diagnose your injury and develop a treatment plan and can be included in the claim.
- Surgeries: If your injury requires surgery, you can claim the costs, including anesthesia and post-op care.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Many accident victims often require ongoing rehabilitation to regain full mobility and functionality, and such expenses can be claimed.
- Assistive devices: If your injuries require crutches, a wheelchair, braces, or prosthetics, these medical aids can be included in your claim.
- Home and vehicle modifications: If your injuries result in permanent mobility challenges, you may need home modifications like wheelchair ramps or vehicle adaptations. These costs can be factored into your settlement.
- Future medical costs: If your injuries require long-term treatment, including additional surgeries, medication, home care, or physical therapy, the projected costs of treatments can be included in your claim.
How To Prove Medical Expenses in a Personal Injury Claim
Recovering medical costs in a settlement requires proper documentation. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. To prove your past and current medical expenses, ensure you keep detailed records of the following:
- Hospital bills
- Receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Medication costs
- Therapy or rehabilitation invoices
- Travel costs related to medical treatment
For future medical expenses, your attorney can work with medical experts to assess your condition and provide expert testimony on the anticipated costs of ongoing care based on your medical condition and expected recovery timeline.
Other Damages You May Recover in a Settlement
In addition to medical expenses, you may also be eligible for compensation for other damages, including:
Lost Income
If your injuries keep you from working, you may pursue compensation for lost wages, including any future income loss.
Property Damage
If the accident involved damage to your property, such as your car, the costs of repairs or replacements may be included in the settlement.
Pain and Suffering
Depending on the emotional and mental anguish the accident has had on your life, compensation for pain and suffering may also be included in your settlement.
Legal Help Is Available
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm today to discuss your case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Miami, Orlando, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
