Can You Recover Medical and Therapy Expenses for Ongoing Injuries in Connecticut?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Connecticut law and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney about your specific situation.

Detailed answer — How recovery of medical and therapy expenses works in Connecticut

Yes. If someone else’s negligence or wrongful act caused your injuries, you can generally recover both past and future medical and therapy expenses in a Connecticut accident claim. Recoverable items commonly include emergency care, hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, mental health/psychotherapy, prescription medication, rehabilitation services, assistive devices (crutches, braces), and reasonable, future medical costs tied to the injury.

What legal theory supports recovery?

Most accident claims in Connecticut proceed under negligence: you must show the other party owed a duty, breached it, and that breach caused your injuries and damages. If liability is proven (by settlement or at trial), the court can award damages that reasonably compensate you for medical and therapy costs.

Past (already incurred) medical expenses

Past bills and receipts are the primary proof. Insurance statements, hospital invoices, copies of paid bills, medical records, and treatment notes all help establish what you already spent and why treatment was necessary. Courts allow recovery for reasonable and related past medical expenses.

Future (ongoing) medical and therapy expenses

To recover future costs, you must show those costs are reasonably certain to be necessary and causally related to the accident. Connecticut courts commonly require expert testimony—typically from treating physicians, rehabilitation specialists, or life-care planners—to establish (1) the nature and extent of the injury, (2) the treatment likely to be required, and (3) the estimated cost of that future care. A settlement can also resolve future-care claims if the amount reflects anticipated needs.

How damages are calculated

Courts and insurers calculate the reasonable value of medical treatment. For future expenses, professionals may prepare a cost projection. Judges and juries evaluate the credibility of testimony and records when awarding future medical damages.

Documentation you need

• Complete medical records linking treatment to the accident.
• Bills, Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), and receipts.
• Provider opinions about prognosis and needed future care.
• Expert opinions when future costs are substantial or disputed.
• Evidence of lost function or ongoing symptoms (therapy notes, test results, work restrictions).

Insurance, subrogation, and liens

Insurance and payors can affect your net recovery. Health insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, or ERISA plans may have subrogation or reimbursement rights (they may seek repayment from any settlement). That can reduce the money you keep unless agreements or statutory limits apply. If you received public benefits (Medicaid), state agencies may file a claim or lien against a recovery for medical expenses paid. Speak with counsel early so you understand lien exposure and negotiate reductions where possible.

Settlement vs. trial

Most claims settle. A fair settlement will account for both past and reasonably certain future medical and therapy needs. If a case goes to trial, a judge or jury must be persuaded by the evidence and expert testimony. Before accepting a settlement that purports to resolve future care, consider whether it fairly covers projected costs—once you sign, you normally cannot reopen the claim later.

Timing — don’t wait

Connecticut limits the time to bring most personal injury claims. You must act before the deadline or risk losing the right to sue. The Connecticut Judicial Branch and the General Assembly publish the rules that govern time limits and exceptions; consult them or an attorney promptly to protect your claim. See Connecticut Judicial Branch’s civil filing information for guidance: https://www.jud.ct.gov/ and the Connecticut General Assembly site for statutes and time limits: https://www.cga.ct.gov/.

Common defenses insurers raise

• Medical treatment was unrelated to the accident.
• Treatment was excessive or not medically necessary.
• Pre-existing conditions caused the ongoing problems (defendant argues aggravation, not new injury).
• Failure to mitigate damages (e.g., skipped recommended therapy).

When to involve an attorney

Talk to a Connecticut personal injury attorney if:

• Your injuries require ongoing or future medical care.
• Liability or causation is disputed.
• Insurers or payors assert liens or subrogation rights.
• You need expert testimony to value future medical costs.

An attorney can help collect the right evidence, obtain expert reports, negotiate liens, and structure settlements that account for future care.

Helpful hints — practical steps to protect your claim

• Seek prompt medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations. Continuity of care strongly supports causation and necessity.
• Keep every medical bill, prescription receipt, EOB, and therapy note. Create a single folder (digital or physical) for all records related to the accident.
• Ask treating clinicians to explain how the treatment connects to the accident and whether additional care will likely be required.
• Get early estimates for future care if you expect ongoing needs; ask your provider for written projections.
• Notify your auto or homeowner’s insurer (if applicable) and preserve evidence (photos, witness info, police reports).
• Do not accept the first settlement offer without checking whether it covers future costs. Insurers often under-value future medical needs.
• If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance that paid bills, inform your lawyer so they can address subrogation and lien issues timely.
• Contact a Connecticut attorney before the applicable time limit expires. Filing deadlines can be short and have few exceptions.

If you want, I can outline a checklist of documents to gather for an initial attorney consult or point you to Connecticut resources about civil claims and health-care liens.