When someone is injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and related expenses. This compensation is typically referred to as damages and can include both past and future damages. Past damages are those that have already occurred, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Future damages, on the other hand, are those that are expected to occur in the future as a result of the injury.
Future damages in a personal injury case can include a wide range of expenses and losses that may continue to affect the victim long after the initial injury. Some common examples of future damages include:
• Medical expenses: Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may require ongoing medical treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery. These expenses can be significant and may continue for months, or even years, after the accident.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: If the injury prevents the victim from working or reduces their ability to earn a living, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity. • Pain and suffering: Many injuries can cause ongoing pain and discomfort, which can be difficult to quantify, but can significantly impact the victim's quality of life.
• Reduced quality of life: In addition to pain and suffering, the injury may also result in a reduced quality of life, such as the inability to participate in certain activities or hobbies.
• Home modifications: If the injury requires the victim to make modifications to their home, such as installing a wheelchair ramp or making other accessibility improvements, these expenses may be covered as future damages.
Determining the amount of future damages can be a complex process that requires the expertise of medical professionals, economists, and personal injury attorneys. These experts will evaluate the victim's injuries, medical history, and other factors to estimate the expected future expenses and losses.
In some cases, future damages may be awarded in a lump sum payment, while in others, they may be paid out over time. For example, if the victim requires ongoing medical treatment, the damages may be paid out periodically to cover the cost of this treatment.
Determining future damages plays an important role in ensuring that victims of personal injury are fairly compensated for the full extent of their losses and expenses. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. The Personal Injury Team at The Brad Hendricks Law Firm have been helping Arkansas victims and families of victims for over 29 years. If you or a loved one need to speak to an Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tradition. Reputation. Results.