Losing an arm, leg or another body part can change how you work, move and handle daily tasks. After surgery and rehab, you may need an artificial limb, also called a prosthesis. However, these devices wear out and may need repairs or replacement. The costs can continue for years.
If someone else’s negligence caused your amputation, the facts of your case may support a claim for compensation for future prosthetic costs. The type of claim and the evidence available can affect what expenses you may recover.
How Ohio law covers future prosthetic costs
Ohio workers’ compensation may cover the necessary purchase, repair or replacement of a prosthetic device when the need arises from an allowed workplace injury or occupational disease. The rules that apply depend on the claim and the medical need.
For injuries outside the workers’ compensation system, such as some car crashes, you may have a personal injury claim against the party responsible. Future prosthetic expenses may form part of that claim if the evidence supports them and the law allows recovery.
For example, losing a leg in a crash may mean needing replacement devices over many years. Changes in the shape of your residual limb may also require a new socket or adjustments. A claim based only on your first prosthesis may leave out these future needs.
What evidence can support future costs?
Proving future expenses often requires more than showing the price of your current device. Useful evidence may include:
- Medical records: These describe your injury, treatment and ongoing medical needs.
- Treating-provider opinions: Your doctors can explain why you may need future prosthetic care.
- Prosthetist estimates: These can show expected costs for devices, repairs, refitting and replacement.
- Life-care plans: These outline expected medical and support needs and their projected costs over time.
- Expert testimony: Qualified experts can explain why future care is needed and help support cost estimates.
Together, this evidence can help show how your needs may change over time. A personal injury lawyer can work with medical providers and other experts to assess future costs and explain how the evidence relates to your claim.
Accounting for future needs
Prosthetic costs may extend well beyond your initial recovery. The expenses available under a claim depend on the facts, the evidence and the legal rules that apply. Considering future replacements, repairs and related care can help present a fuller picture of the financial impact of an amputation.