An accident can change a person’s life in an instant. When injuries are serious enough to limit mobility, simple daily tasks like climbing stairs or using the bathroom can become difficult—or impossible—without modifications to the home.
Whether installing a wheelchair ramp, widening doorways, or remodeling a bathroom for accessibility, these changes are often necessary for the injured person to live safely and independently.
But these modifications are not cheap. So the question arises: Who covers the cost?
As a Fort Worth accident lawyer, we have helped clients secure compensation for various accident-related expenses, including essential home modifications. Understanding your rights and legal options can make all the difference if you or a loved one is facing this situation.
Why Are Home Modifications Often Necessary After an Injury?
Following a serious accident, such as a car crash, slip and fall, workplace injury, or a traumatic brain injury, the victim may suffer permanent or long-term impairments. These can include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
- Severe orthopedic injuries
- Neurological conditions affecting balance and coordination
- Chronic pain limiting movement
Home modifications may be required to maintain quality of life and restore some level of independence. Common adaptations include:
- Wheelchair ramps and stair lifts
- Grab bars and roll-in showers
- Lowered countertops and sinks
- Smart home technology for limited mobility users
- Bedroom or bathroom relocation to the ground floor
These changes can easily cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. So, who is responsible for paying?
Can the At-Fault Party Be Held Responsible?
In personal injury cases in Texas, the person or party who caused the injury through negligence is typically responsible for covering the costs related to the injury, including medical expenses, lost income, and necessary home modifications.
For example, if a distracted driver causes a car accident that leaves you paralyzed, your injury attorney can pursue compensation from that driver’s insurance company for both your medical treatment and the costs of modifying your home.
To be successful, your attorney must prove:
- The other party was negligent (e.g., texting while driving, failing to maintain safe property conditions).
- That negligence caused your injury.
- Your injury led to the need for specific modifications.
Insurance companies often fight these claims, especially when the modifications are expensive. That is where a skilled Fort Worth accident lawyer comes in—to negotiate and, if needed, take the case to court to secure the full compensation you deserve.
What Types of Claims Can Cover Home Modification Costs?
There are several potential sources of compensation for home modification expenses, depending on how the injury occurred.
1. Personal Injury Lawsuits
This is the most direct way to recover costs. If your injury was due to someone else’s negligence—like a car crash, truck accident, dog bite, or premises liability incident—you may be entitled to damages that include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Home modification expenses
The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code allows accident victims to pursue economic and non-economic damages. A jury can award funds to cover the cost of making your home safe and accessible.
2. Workers’ Compensation (If Injured on the Job)
If your injury occurred at work and Texas workers’ compensation covers you, some modification expenses may be covered under medical or vocational rehabilitation benefits. However, the workers’ comp system is limited in what it will pay, and often home modifications fall into a gray area.
Sometimes, a third-party claim (against a negligent subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, for example) may offer more complete compensation. A knowledgeable injury attorney can explore all available legal avenues.
3. Auto Insurance (Including PIP and UM/UIM Coverage)
In Texas, drivers can carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These policies may help cover injury-related expenses, including certain home modifications, especially if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
However, insurers are rarely eager to pay large sums without a fight. Working with an attorney increases your chances of securing a fair settlement.
4. Disability Benefits and Government Programs
While not legal claims, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, VA benefits, or Texas Health and Human Services programs may help with specific home accessibility needs. However, these resources are often limited, involve long wait times, and may not cover everything you need.
Pursuing a legal claim allows you to recover a more comprehensive range of damages.
Are Home Modifications Considered Medical Expenses?
Yes. Under Texas law, the cost of home modifications can be considered a necessary medical expense if the changes are directly related to the injury. Courts have recognized that modifications to support mobility, hygiene, and independent living are part of the “medical damages” an injured person can seek in a lawsuit.
However, courts and insurers often scrutinize these claims closely. You will need:
- A doctor’s recommendation or medical evaluation stating that the modification is necessary
- A detailed estimate or invoice from a qualified contractor
- Evidence showing that the changes are reasonable in cost and scope
A Fort Worth accident lawyer can help collect and present this evidence in a way that supports your claim.
How Much Do Home Modifications Typically Cost?
The cost of modifying a home can vary widely depending on the extent of the injury and the house’s structure. Examples include:
- Wheelchair ramp: $1,000–$5,000
- Stair lift: $3,000–$15,000
- Roll-in shower: $3,000–$10,000
- Bathroom remodel for accessibility: $10,000–$25,000+
- Full first-floor bedroom and bathroom build-out: $25,000–$50,000+
These expenses can place a heavy burden on families already facing lost income and rising medical bills. That is why pursuing compensation through legal action is so important.
How Can a Fort Worth Accident Lawyer Help?
Navigating a personal injury claim is challenging, especially when it involves long-term modifications and future expenses. Our role as your injury attorney is to ensure all your present and future needs are accounted for in your case.
We will:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence
- Calculate the actual cost of your injury, including medical bills, lost earnings, and home changes
- Work with medical and accessibility experts to document your needs
- Negotiate with insurance companies or go to court if necessary
Our goal is to ensure you receive the resources you need to live comfortably and safely after a life-changing injury.
What If the Insurance Company Denies or Underpays?
Unfortunately, insurers often resist paying for home modifications, claiming they are “nonessential” or that cheaper options exist. They may offer a lowball settlement or deny the claim entirely.
You do not have to accept that. We routinely challenge unfair insurance tactics and fight for full compensation. If needed, we will take the case to trial to show the jury exactly how your injury has impacted your life, and what it will take to restore your independence.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim in Texas?
Yes. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, starting from the accident date. If you do not file your claim in time, you may lose the right to recover damages, including for home modifications.
Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is essential to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If you or a loved one needs costly home modifications after an accident, you should not have to carry the financial burden alone, especially if someone else’s negligence caused the injury. You deserve to live in a space that accommodates your new reality and supports your recovery.
As experienced Fort Worth accident lawyers, we understand what it takes to secure the compensation you need. From the first consultation through final resolution, we are here to guide you and fight for what is fair.
