What is Future Medical Expenses?
Updated January 24, 2026
The projected cost of medical treatment, therapy, medication, and care that an injured person will need in the future as a result of their injuries.
Understanding Future Medical Expenses
Future medical expenses are calculated using life care plans prepared by medical and economic experts. They consider anticipated surgeries, ongoing therapy, prescription costs, medical equipment, and home care needs. These damages must be reduced to present value and proven with reasonable medical certainty.
Examples
- 1Projected cost of future spine surgeries
- 2Lifetime physical therapy for permanent injury
- 3Future medication costs for chronic condition
Related Terms
Life Care Plan
A comprehensive document prepared by medical professionals outlining all future care needs and associated costs for a catastrophically injured person.
Economic Damages
Compensation for financial losses that can be calculated with specificity, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future expenses.
Loss of Consortium
A claim by the spouse or family member of an injured person for the loss of companionship, affection, comfort, and sexual relations resulting from the injury.
Punitive Damages
Additional damages awarded beyond compensatory damages to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Diminished Value
The reduction in a vehicle's market value after it has been damaged in an accident and repaired, compared to a similar vehicle that was never damaged.
For Personal Injury cases
The record behind a term like this one is built by the client, not the file.
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