Personal injury lawyers use a life care plan when the victim does not make a complete recovery from the injury, and is expected to have substantial medical expenses in the future. The court can only issue one judgement, and the jury can only issue one verdict for damages, against a defendant. Therefore, if the plaintiff has not fully recovered at the time of trial, the exact extent of their medical expenses and other costs caused by the defendant may not be fully known. The life care plan solves this problem by presenting a comprehensive estimate to the jury of the plaintiff’s expected medical expenses in the future.
A life care plan is completed by an specially trained expert witness. This type of expertise draws on skills from various fields. Life care planners by original education may be a physician, a a registered nurse, a physical therapist, or a doctorate. They review the client’s medical records, determine their likely future needs, and write a detailed report about what the total cost will be.
Law firms specializing in life care planning work with an interdisciplinary team to evaluate current and prospective future care needs, seek proper care, and ensure high-quality care.
Model of a Life Care Plan
After a personal injury event, a life care plan model is a precise evaluation of the many expenses a person will face. The following are some of the factors that could be considered in a life care plan model:
- Medical expenses
- Nursing care for a long time
- Modifications to the victim’s home so that he or she can live comfortably
- Medical supplies
- Lost income
- Expenses for daily life include rent, utilities, clothing, and personal care.
- The victim’s expected life expectancy
- Total cost reduced to its current value
Creating a life care plan entails assessing all areas of a personal injury victim’s future requirements. Medical bills and long-term care expenses should both be taken into account. However, there may be some overlap between the lost income and everyday living expenses. A victim’s treatment plan should be developed in collaboration with an experienced, credentialed practitioner. Questions about their accounting procedures and evaluation process may be asked of that person.
Understanding What a Life Care Plan Is For
Life Care Planning aims to ensure that you or a family member receives compensation to get the best care possible. Its priority is to ensure that you have the best possible quality of life, which may include placement in a facility that can offer the amount of care required.
Potential life changes must be factored into life care plans. A nurse who stays with you during the day to ensure you take your medication, for example, may be sufficient for the time being; nevertheless, you may require more focused care in the future.
In Major Personal Injury Cases, How Is A Life Care Plan Used?
As previously stated, the primary goal of the LCP is to establish the number of monetary damages required to pay the costs associated with a person’s injury as a result of the event in question. Many economic assumptions are scrutinized to ensure that figures are not over-inflated or under-estimated (for example, future treatment costs or future earnings).
A life care plan is also required to decide how much of a set aside can be given to Medicare, workers’ compensation, or other payment sources for injuries that the negligent party does not always cause.
As a result, if you are an injured victim or an attorney representing either a plaintiff or defendant in a personal injury case, you should speak with a life care planning specialist. Interviewing essential parties, comprehending the underlying medical issues at hand, and making correct economic recommendations to a court are all skills that such specialists possess.
Tenets of Life Care Planning
When it comes to life care planning following a personal injury event, there are a few fundamental principles to remember. Here are some reasons why life care planning should be used in your accident case:
Know Your Case’s Approximate Value
When you make a life plan, you make a precise prediction of your long-term expenses. That forecast is a thorough assessment of your case. You know how much your personal injury claim is worth and why.
Accept Your Plan as Proof in Court
If your case goes to trial, your care plan may be admitted into evidence. The expert who created your care plan may give a detailed explanation of their conclusions and reasons. A LCP that you admit at trial can assist you in better communicating your case to the jury.
Make a Future Plan
After an injury, you can utilize your life care plan to chart a course for your future. Any personal injury accident can be a stressful situation with numerous obstacles. With a life care plan in place, you can anticipate your future requirements.
If you need help developing a life care plan, contact us. Our experienced personal injury team can help you find answers to the more difficult questions that come up in life.
