If you've been in an accident, and you've suffered extensive injuries, don't try to settle the case without legal representation. If you do, you may undermine your ability to receive continued care later on. Insurance companies like to settle cases as quickly as possible, especially when there's a possibility of future problems related to the injuries. You might not realize this, but you're entitled to compensation for future issues resulting from your injuries. That's where your personal injury attorney will come into the picture. They'll know how to fight to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for those future expenditures relating to your injuries. Here are just three future problems you might not have thought about.

Loss of Earnings

When it comes to accidents, and loss of earnings, it's not uncommon to just think about the here and now—the loss of earnings you're experiencing as you recover from your injuries. However, if your injuries are severe, you could be suffering from loss of earnings for the rest of your life. This is particularly true if your injuries require you to change professions or limit the amount of progress and growth you can achieve in your present career. A personal injury attorney will help you receive compensation for any future loss of earnings you may experience as a result of your injuries.

Additional Medical Expenses

While you're recovering from your accident, you're going to be worrying about your medical care and the expenses associated with them. You'll want to make sure that those expenses are covered by the insurance company. However, depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be left with lasting medical issues that will require future medical care. For instance, if your knee is injured, you may require knee replacement surgery later in life. If you haven't considered that during your settlement talks, you may miss out on receiving compensation for those additional medical expenses. Before you start negotiating a settlement for your injuries, be sure to consult with a personal injury attorney.

Future Durable Medical Equipment

If your injuries have left you requiring durable medical equipment, such as prosthetic limbs, walkers, or wheelchairs, you'll need to include those future needs in your settlement negotiations. You may need replacement equipment later, and you'll need to know that you'll be able to receive them, without worrying about how to pay for them out of your own pocket. Your personal injury attorney will help you plan for your future durable medical equipment needs.