§ 74.501.Definitions

Three definitions supporting the periodic payment scheme, and the first two are separated for a reason that appears later.

"Future damages" means damages incurred after the date of judgment for: medical, health care, or custodial care services; physical pain and mental anguish, disfigurement, or physical impairment; loss of consortium, companionship, or society; or loss of earnings.

"Future loss of earnings" is defined separately as post-judgment loss of income, wages, or earning capacity and other pecuniary losses, and loss of inheritance.

The separation matters at death. Under the death-of-recipient section, periodic payments generally terminate when the recipient dies — but future loss of earnings continues to be paid to the estate without reduction. Keeping the two terms distinct is what allows that split.

"Periodic payments" means the payment of money or its equivalent to the recipient of future damages at defined intervals. "Or its equivalent" accommodates funding through an annuity or another instrument rather than direct payment.

The definitions closely track those in the general damages chapter, which uses the same three terms, though the future damages list here is specific to health care.