Setareh Law
July 3, 2026
A serious car accident can leave you with injuries that require ongoing care for months or even years after the initial crash. While your immediate medical bills are the most pressing concern in the aftermath, the long-term costs of rehabilitation, follow-up procedures, and continued treatment can ultimately exceed what you paid in those early weeks. Many injury victims in California wonder whether they can recover compensation for medical care they have not yet received. Under California law, the answer is yes, and knowing how to build a claim for future damages can have a major impact on your financial recovery.
If you were hurt in a California car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation that reflects not only what you have already spent on treatment, but also what you are reasonably expected to need in the future. At Setareh Law, our attorneys bring over 60 years of combined experience advocating for injured individuals throughout California. We understand what it takes to build an evidence-backed claim for future medical expenses and are committed to helping our clients pursue the full compensation they deserve.
What Are Future Medical Expenses?
Future medical expenses are the projected costs of treatment and care you are reasonably expected to need after your personal injury claim is resolved. These are different from past medical expenses, which are costs already incurred and supported by existing bills, records, and receipts. Future costs must be estimated based on your current diagnosis, prognosis, and the expected course of recovery. Common examples of future medical expenses in a California car accident case include the following:
- Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and durable medical equipment
- Follow-up surgeries or corrective procedures
- In-home care or assistance with daily activities
- Psychological counseling or mental health treatment
Under California law, these projected expenses must be what is defined as “reasonably necessary” to address injuries caused by the accident. Any claim for future costs must be grounded in credible medical evidence and qualified expert opinions, not broad assumptions about what you might eventually need.
How Are Future Medical Costs Calculated in California?
Calculating future medical expenses is one of the more complex parts of a car accident claim. Courts require that these estimates be based on reliable expert testimony from physicians, specialists, or life care planners who can evaluate your condition and project what your ongoing care will cost. A skilled attorney will work with these experts to build a detailed life care plan that accounts for expected treatment needs, anticipated surgeries, medication costs, and any specialized equipment you may require.
For victims who sustain catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, the projected costs can be substantial. These conditions frequently require lifelong medical attention, making a comprehensive and well-documented projection essential to ensuring the full scope of your damages is clearly presented to the court or insurance carrier.
What Evidence Supports a Future Medical Expense Claim?
In order to successfully recover future medical expenses in California, you will need strong supporting documentation. This includes medical records connecting your injuries directly to the accident, physician statements outlining your prognosis and recovery needs, and expert testimony from specialists or life care planners who can attest to the anticipated scope of your care. Documentation outlining projected costs for future procedures, medications, and therapies will also play a key role. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, thousands of Californians sustain serious injuries in traffic crashes every year, and many of those victims face long-term recovery needs that extend well beyond their initial treatment.
It is also important to act promptly. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation, including future medical expenses.
Contact Setareh Law for a Free Consultation
When it comes to recovering future medical expenses, skilled legal representation makes an impactful difference. The attorneys at Setareh Law work with medical experts and life care planners to build thorough, evidence-backed claims for our clients. With over $250 million recovered for injured Californians and more than 400 five-star Google reviews, we have a proven record of securing full and fair compensation.
You only have one opportunity to resolve your personal injury claim, so it is critical that your settlement accounts for every cost you are likely to face going forward. Setareh Law handles all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the full level of compensation you deserve to protect your future.
