A catastrophic injury can change the lives of victims and their families. Extensive, ongoing medical treatment may be needed. The victim may also face a future in which he or she is unable to work or to return to a former occupation.
At Sevenish Law Firm, our mission is to help the injured. A big part of that mission, we believe, is to help our clients as they move ahead in life. That is why we work with highly qualified experts to develop what is commonly called a “life care plan.” The plan not only helps us when seeking compensation for our clients, but it also helps our clients to understand their future medical needs and costs.
If you would like to learn more about the role of a life care plan in your personal injury case, please contact us today. Our law firm works with clients in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana. We would be glad to speak with you in a free and confidential consultation. Simply call or submit our online form today.
What Goes Into a Life Care Plan?
A life care plan basically is a single document. However, much goes into preparing it. The plan may be the product of several months of intense research, interviews, observations and analysis by a life care planner. It ultimately provides a roadmap for a catastrophic injury victim’s future.
A life care planner is usually someone from the medical field such as a doctor, registered nurse or rehabilitation specialist. The planner usually has experience with helping those who have suffered traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, or other catastrophic injuries. Many life care planners today are certified through organizations such as the Certified Nurse Life Care Planner (CNLCP) Certification Board.
The life care planner reviews medical records, interviews injury victims and their families, consults with an injury victim’s doctors and nurses, and conducts relevant research to determine what it will cost to meet the victim’s future medical needs.
A typical life care plan will examine the needs and costs of:
- Diagnostic testing (X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans)
- Surgeries
- Medication
- Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs
- Orthotics or prosthetics
- Assisted living or home health care
- Special dietary needs
- Transportation needs
- Modifications to the victim’s home
The plan may take into account whether the victim will be able to return to a former job, work at a lesser paying job, or go back to work at all.
Why Is a Life Care Plan Important to Your Personal Injury Case?
As we know from our experience at Sevenish Law Firm, a carefully prepared, reliable life care plan can play a crucial role in seeking compensation for a catastrophic injury victim.
Our firm can use the life care plan while negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company for a full and fair settlement. We often also use exhibits, computer programs, and videos to provide an informative and compelling picture of the situation our clients face.
If an insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, our firm may use the life care plan when presenting evidence to a jury. The life care planner often is called as a witness at trial. An experienced life care planner, of course, will know how to explain the life care plan to a jury and how to respond to cross-examination from defense attorneys.
A life care plan also has value that goes beyond litigation. A catastrophic injury victim and his or her family may naturally be anxious about the future. A life care plan can help to ease that stress by showing how ongoing medical needs and costs can ultimately be met. It gives certainty to what may have once seemed to be an uncertain future.
Contact an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney
Sevenish Law Firm takes pride in the way we treat our clients. We serve them with the respect and dignity they deserve. We truly take a personal interest in their lives. We believe that our use of life care planning reflects that approach.
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injury at the hands of another, you can count on Sevenish Law Firm to represent you with the integrity, honor, and discipline that your case deserves. Learn more about how we can serve you. Just call or contact us online today and we will provide a free case review. You won’t pay for our legal services unless you recover compensation.
