What is Prognosis?
Updated January 24, 2026
A medical professional's prediction about the likely course, duration, and outcome of a patient's recovery from an injury or illness.
Understanding Prognosis
The prognosis is a critical component of a personal injury claim because it determines the value of future damages. A poor prognosis indicating permanent limitations, ongoing pain, or need for future surgery significantly increases the case value. The treating physician's prognosis, supported by medical evidence, is key evidence in settlement negotiations and trial.
Examples
- 1Doctor predicting patient will need a knee replacement within five years
- 2Prognosis indicating permanent partial disability from spinal cord injury
- 3Physician stating full recovery expected within six months
Related Terms
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The point in recovery when a worker's condition has stabilized and further medical treatment is unlikely to result in significant improvement.
Future Medical Expenses
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.
Life Care Plan
A comprehensive document prepared by medical professionals outlining all future care needs and associated costs for a catastrophically injured person.
Impairment Rating
A percentage assigned by a physician that measures the degree of permanent physical impairment resulting from an injury, based on standardized medical guidelines.
Medical Malpractice
Professional negligence by a healthcare provider whose treatment falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient.
For Personal Injury cases
The record behind a term like this one is built by the client, not the file.
Quilia asks clients about treatment, appointments and how they are doing, records the answers on the case, and syncs it to Clio, Filevine, MyCase, Neos and more.
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