Short answer

Yes. In Rhode Island personal injury claims you can generally recover reasonable and necessary past medical expenses and, when supported by evidence, future medical and therapy costs that are the proximate result of the accident. To recover future expenses you usually need medical and economic testimony showing the treatment you will likely need and the cost of that care. Acting promptly and preserving records improves your chances of full recovery.

Detailed answer — what damages are recoverable and why

In a Rhode Island accident claim (for example, auto collision, slip and fall, or another negligence claim), a successful claimant can recover compensatory damages that put the claimant in the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. The key categories relevant here are:

• Past medical expenses: bills already paid or billed for treatment, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription medications, physical therapy, chiropractic visits, and other treatments related to the accident.
• Future medical and therapy expenses: the reasonable cost of treatment you will likely need because of the accident (additional surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, long‑term rehabilitation, durable medical equipment, home health care, or assistive devices).
• Other damages: lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and non‑economic damages such as pain and suffering. These are relevant because they affect total case value, but medical and therapy expenses are a distinct component.

Evidence needed to prove past and future medical costs

Insurers and courts expect reliable proof:

• Medical records and itemized bills tied to the accident.
• A treating provider’s opinion connecting your injuries and therapies to the accident.
• For future expenses, expert testimony — usually from doctors, treating therapists, and sometimes medical economists — describing the expected treatment plan, frequency, duration, and cost.
• Receipts and proof of payments if you have already paid out of pocket.

Reasonable and necessary standard

Rhode Island courts focus on whether care was reasonably necessary and causally related to the accident. Cosmetic, elective, or unrelated care will not be recoverable. The claimant bears the burden to show the link and reasonableness.

Timing and the statute of limitations

You must bring a claim within Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for personal injury actions. Waiting too long can bar recovery even if your medical need is clear. See the Rhode Island statute on limitations for personal-injury actions: R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14. If you are unsure when the clock started running, get legal advice quickly.

Health-insurer and government lien/subrogation issues

If your health insurer, Medicare, Medicaid, or another payer paid your medical bills, they may have a right to be reimbursed from your settlement or judgment. That can reduce the amount you actually receive. Identify and address liens early; failing to do so may create disputes that delay settlement or reduce recovery.

Settlement planning for future care

When a claim includes significant future medical needs, parties often use one or more of these approaches:

• Estimate future costs with expert reports and include them in a lump‑sum settlement.
• Use a structured settlement or trust to fund long‑term care needs.
• Set aside a portion of settlement proceeds specifically for future medical care and clearly document that allocation.

When to consider hiring an attorney

You should consider an attorney if your injuries are ongoing, if projected future medical costs are substantial, if the insurer disputes causation or necessity, if liens/subrogation issues exist, or if you want guidance on settlement structuring. Attorneys experienced in Rhode Island personal injury practice can help gather evidence, work with experts, negotiate with insurers, and protect your rights.

Helpful hints — practical steps to protect your claim

• Seek and follow medical care right away. Delays can be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious or related to the accident.
• Keep copies of all bills, receipts, prescriptions, therapy notes, and provider statements.
• Ask your treating doctor to document a treatment plan and whether future care is likely.
• Preserve evidence: photos of injuries, accident scene, witness contact information, and vehicle damage.
• Notify your automobile insurer if the accident involved a vehicle and be truthful in statements.
• Tell your health insurer about the accident when required, but be careful about signing quick settlement releases from liability insurers without confirming future-care needs are covered or compensated.
• Check for liens or subrogation claims from Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers early in the case.
• Document how injuries affect daily life and work — diaries, employer records, and testimony strengthen claims for future care and lost earnings.
• Get expert opinions for projected future medical costs if you expect long‑term or expensive therapy needs.
• Act promptly to preserve your right to sue — consult an attorney before the statute of limitations expires. See: R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.