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Post Accident Health Costs in Nebraska: Why Evidence Matters

By Jason Bottlinger on November 15, 2025

To successfully file a claim or win a lawsuit in any type of personal injury case, you must prove two things:

1. Someone else was legally responsible for your injury.
2. You suffered damages that have cost you money or will cost you money in the future.

Whether you were harmed in a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or any other type of personal injury case, it’s essential to provide a record of your medical expenses. Juries and insurance companies require documentation such as medical bills, prescriptions, and expert testimony to determine how much compensation you’re eligible to receive.

What Counts as a Medical Expense?

In Nebraska, you’re entitled to file a claim for the full value of your medical treatment after an accident, including both past and future care expenses. Some of the most common costs include:

• Ambulance and emergency room visits
• Diagnostic testing (MRI, CT scans, X-rays)
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health counseling
• Assistive devices (braces, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Home care services
• Transportation to and from medical appointments

Documenting Medical Costs and Lost Wages

To thoroughly document medical costs and lost wages, you’ll need to gather more than just your medical bills. Start by keeping a detailed file that includes:

• Receipts and invoices for every treatment or medication
• Doctor’s notes outlining your diagnosis and treatment plan
• Pay stubs and employment records showing time missed from work
• Letters from your employer verifying your job duties and the impact of your injury
• Insurance records showing co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses

All of this contributes to a well-rounded claim. The goal is to paint a full picture of how the injury has impacted your health, income, and daily life in addition to the long-term costs you will incur.

The Importance of Future Care Planning

Not all injuries heal completely. Many Nebraskans injured in crashes or falls are left with chronic pain, permanent disability, or conditions that require ongoing treatment. That’s why it’s so important to account for future care expenses in your personal injury case.

This might include:

• Scheduled surgeries or follow-ups
• Physical therapy over months or years
• Long-term medication or pain management
• Occupational therapy to regain skills
• Psychological counseling for trauma-related issues
• Home modifications for mobility challenges

Too many victims who settle without considering what comes next may find themselves paying out of pocket for necessary care.

Expert Medical Testimony Can Supports Long-Term Damages

To recover damages for future costs, you’ll likely need expert medical testimony. Insurance adjusters and juries want to know:

• What kind of care you’ll need
• How long care is needed
• What the cost of care is
• Why it’s medically necessary

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we work with respected medical professionals across Nebraska to provide detailed assessments. These experts review your treatment history and prognosis, so they can create reports and testify to support your claim.

Their testimony transforms your projected needs into credible, fact-based evidence. This is especially important in cases involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Severe orthopedic damage
• Chronic pain conditions

Comprehensive Evidence Improves Compensation

Nebraska law allows accident victims to pursue several categories of compensation, including:

• Economic damages: like medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation costs
• Non-economic damages: for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Future damages: covering ongoing care, loss of earning capacity, and permanent disability

Without clear and convincing documentation, claims may be undervalued or denied. The insurance company’s goal is to settle for as little as possible. It’s your attorney’s job to make sure every current and future costs are accounted for with solid evidence. That’s why we are so meticulous when building your case.

We Build Solid Personal Injury Claims

When you work with Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we go far beyond simply filing paperwork. We build your claim from the ground up with the strongest possible foundation. This includes:

• Reviewing all medical records: to understand and track your diagnosis and treatment over time
• Coordinating with medical experts: for reliable insight into your future care needs
• Documenting lost income and opportunities: with support from your employer or a vocational expert
• Gathering injury evidence: including photos, treatment notes, and journal entries about your symptoms
• Quantifying pain and suffering: through interviews and medical evaluations

This comprehensive approach ensures that no element of your claim is overlooked.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Tracking Expenses

Unfortunately, many injured people make mistakes early on that can impact the success of their claim. Here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Don’t delay treatment – Gaps in care can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
2. Don’t rely solely on verbal reports – Always request written diagnoses and treatment plans.
3. Don’t throw away receipts – Keep every bill and pharmacy label.
4. Don’t accept a settlement without legal advice – You may be offered a low sum that doesn’t reflect future needs.
5. Account for related expenses – Parking, gas, and over-the-counter medications all count as damages.

Reasons to Choose Our Law Firm

There’s no question that health costs after an accident can be overwhelming. But with the right legal strategy, this doesn’t have to derail your life. By focusing on gathering comprehensive injury evidence, leveraging expert medical testimony, and documenting every aspect of your medical expenses, you can pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we’re here to guide you through the legal process, from your first consultation to final resolution. We’re committed to helping our clients protect their health, their finances, and their future.

Jason Bottlinger was selected as one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Omaha by Expertise.com, and he belongs to the exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our law firm has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Omaha

If you’ve been injured and are worried about how to manage your health costs, we want to hear your story. The sooner we begin collecting evidence, the stronger your case will be.

Contact Bottlinger Law L.L.C. today at (402) 505-8234 for a free consultation.