Who Pays for Lifetime Medical Care After a Catastrophic Car Accident in Chicago?

A catastrophic car accident can change your entire future in a matter of seconds. Most car accident victims suffer minimal injuries or injuries that heal within weeks or months—but some have injuries so severe that they will require care for the rest of their lives. Families dealing with spinal cord injuries, serious traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, or debilitating chronic pain are often left wondering how they’re going to cover the costs of their loved one’s care. Hospital stays, rehabilitation, home nursing care, adaptive equipment for a home and vehicle, and other expenses can quickly reach hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

That’s why it’s so important to discuss your next steps with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Chicago. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’re committed to helping you fight for the compensation you are owed. Call us to schedule your free case review.

What is considered a catastrophic car accident injury?

Catastrophic injuries are those that cause permanent disability or require long-term (often lifelong) medical care. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Organ damage
• Neurological damage

In comparison, many bone fractures, minor brain injuries, and lacerations tend to recover with routine medical intervention and time.

Catastrophic injuries negatively impact a victim’s ability to work, live on their own, or fulfill their other obligations. Additionally, the treatment required for a catastrophic injury can take up a significant amount of time. Consider someone with a severe traumatic brain injury. They may need to go through occupational therapy to relearn basic skills, go to physical therapy to address muscle loss, and regularly go to specialist checkups to ensure that their condition is not worsening.

How much can lifetime medical care cost after a serious crash?

Care costs vary significantly by injury and location. Costs may start escalating immediately, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, and surgical interventions. On their own, these expenses are a lot—but the real financial burden comes in the years after an accident. Long-term expenses may include:

• Physical and occupational therapy
• Prescription medications
• Mobility devices, including wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, prosthetics, and assisted standing devices
• In-home nursing care
• Follow-up surgeries
• Modifications to make a home and vehicle accessible

Calculating these expenses is challenging, particularly since you must consider inflation and other changes that may lead to changes in cost. Your car accident attorney may work with a life care planner and medical expert to get a more precise calculation based on:

• Diagnosis and prognosis
• Life expectancy
• Required and recommended treatments and therapies
• Equipment replacement schedules
• Rising healthcare costs

Ultimately, this results in a projection of the total lifetime cost of the injury.

Who is legally responsible for lifetime medical expenses?

Illinois uses a fault-based system for car accident claims, so the party responsible for the crash is typically responsible for paying the costs associated with the collision. Because Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state, a victim’s contribution to an accident may reduce their share of compensation. If a victim is more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovery entirely.

If you can prove that another driver’s negligence caused the accident and that the accident caused your injuries, they may be liable for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Lost income and earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Disability-related expenses

Most car accidents are caused by one or both drivers. However, there are situations where fault lies with a municipality that did not properly maintain a road, a vehicle manufacturer that created an unsafe vehicle, or a repair shop that did shoddy repair work.

Your attorney will likely look into every potentially responsible party while pursuing compensation. The costs of lifetime care often exceed just one insurance policy’s limits, but if there are multiple liable parties, that may expand your options.

What types of insurance coverage can pay for long-term medical care?

There are several types of insurance that may cover medical care after a catastrophic accident. They include:

• The other party’s liability insurance: This is often the preferred outcome, as expenses come directly from the other party’s coverage, saving you from battling with your health insurance provider for coverage. Illinois drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage set by state law (currently $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage), though these limits may change periodically.

• Your own insurance: If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, that can also contribute to your expenses.

• Health insurance: Your own medical insurance can pay for the care you need, but you will still need to pay copays and deductibles. Additionally, if your health insurance is tied to your or your spouse’s employment, that may complicate matters if you are no longer able to work or your spouse has to stop working to provide care.

How can structured settlements help pay for lifetime care?

In catastrophic injury claims in Chicago, compensation is sometimes paid through a structured settlement rather than as a lump sum. This allows the patient to receive payments over time, ensuring that they remain available for future medical needs. This is particularly beneficial for those who are at risk of using the money carelessly or who worry about friends and family members attempting to use that money for their own expenses and goals.

A structured settlement may pay out an initial payment for immediate medical bills and related expenses, monthly payments for living expenses, and larger scheduled payments that cover significant procedures or equipment needs.

Explore your legal options with Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we advocate fiercely for victims left injured due to others’ negligence. Let’s talk about your options. Reach out online today.