Some injuries eventually fully heal, and the only real proof that the injury ever occurred is the story you have to tell about it. For others, they never fully recover from their injuries. That’s not to say that they can’t go on with a long and enjoyable life, but there are aspects of their future that have been forever impacted by their injury. If this type of injury occurs at work, you may be entitled to a workers’ compensation settlement, but you’ll want to ensure that any settlement includes compensation for future expenses.
But what type of future expenses will you want to consider when formulating a settlement agreement? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some future expenses to consider before agreeing to a workers’ compensation settlement in Minnesota.
What Expenses Can You Expect In The Future After A Work Injury?
All injuries are different, so if you really want to ensure that you cover all your bases, it’s in your best interest to connect with a workers’ compensation lawyer before you agree to a settlement. They will ensure that all future expenses are accounted for and all other aspects of your case are fairly and accurately assessed. Some future expenses you may want to consider when developing a fair settlement agreement after a work injury include:
Future Medical Expenses – Your initial medical expenses for care and surgery will be covered, but if it’s possible that you will need additional medical care down the road, you’ll either want those expenses included in a claim, or you’ll want to leave part of the settlement open so that you can collect additional compensation when you incur these medical expenses later in life.
Future Therapy Care – While this could fall into the medical expense category, some people overlook medical expenses that aren’t directly tied to a doctor’s appointment or an operation. If you may need prolonged physical therapy or assistive services in the future because of how your injury may affect you down the road, make sure your lawyer includes these expenses in a settlement agreement.
Lost Earnings Potential – If your work injury has stymied your ability to move up the ranks at work, your earnings potential may be capped by your injury. If expected promotions or advancement is now off the table as a result of your injury, this lost earnings potential absolutely needs to be included in a settlement.
Home Modifications And Mobility Aids – Your work injury may mean that eventually you will find it hard to move around without assistance. If you may need a wheelchair or ramps put in your house later in life, you’ll want to ensure you are compensated for these future expenses, or your settlement is left open so that you can file for additional compensation when the time comes.
These are just a few of the future expenses to consider if you have a work injury that will never fully heal. Just because your short-term expenses are taken care of does not mean you should ignore other expenses you may or will likely incur down the road. If you close your settlement without accounting for these expenses, you may not be able to reopen your claim, and you may be stuck paying these future expenses yourself.
For more information on making sure that all aspects of your settlement are included in your claim, or for help developing a strong claim, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
