After sustaining an injury, most workers are typically focused on immediate costs, such as lost wages and emergency medical care. What most workers don’t realize, though, is that a workplace injury may require months and even years of medical care.
Some workers may think a lump sum will be more than enough to cover future medical care. But the truth is that injured workers often underestimate how much they will need. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will take the time to consult with medical experts to determine the full amount an injured worker should receive. A workers’ compensation attorney will also ensure the worker receives the right type of settlement.
How Are Future Medical Costs Calculated?
In California, injured workers have a legal right to receive medical care for their injuries for as long as they need it or until they reach maximum medical improvement. The key step in the process is determining how much medical care the injured worker will need over the course of their lifetime and accurately calculating the costs.
Medical costs may include rehabilitation therapy, prescription drugs, at-home medical equipment and surgical procedures. Medical costs should also take into account how the injury is likely to progress in the future, as well as the worker’s life expectancy.
Types of Permanent Work Injuries
There are many types of permanent work injuries and conditions, and they each require different approaches by the attending physicians. Some examples of injuries that require highly specialized care are:
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Amputations
- Lung Injuries
- Heart / Stroke Injuries
- Paralysis
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
Two Types of Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Injured workers may choose to settle their claim with a stipulation award or through a compromise and release of claims.
A stipulation award covers the cost of future medical care related to the workplace injury from the employer’s provider network. In this type of settlement, the worker does not receive a lump sum payment.
If the injured worker chooses a compromise and release of claims, then they will accept a lump sum and give up their right to seek compensation for future medical expenses. It’s important to carefully consider what future medical costs might look like before agreeing to a compromise and release settlement.
Why Choose Thomas F. Martin, PLC
When you have suffered a life long permanent injury, documenting medical treatment needs can make an enormous difference in your daily quality of life. Putting Thomas F. Martin’s experience to work for you can help you obtain long-term medical care. He has decades of experience handling complex workers’ compensation cases and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field.
As the best workers’ compensation attorney in Orange County, CA, Thomas Martin has helped many permanently injured workers calculate how much their claim is worth and receive the full benefits they are entitled to. Call Thomas Martin today and receive the legal representation you deserve!