Have you heard of Life Care Planning? Some may think of it as designed to anticipate the needs of the elderly. We typically think of life care planning as a matter of wills and estates. In a personal injury action it outlines the specific losses over a long period of time.
What Goes into a Life Care Plan in a Serious Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Imagine that your family member is in an accident that results in a spinal injury and permanent paralysis. While we all like to think that something like that could never happen to us, it certainly can. According to a 2009 study, approximately 5.6 million people in the United States were suffering from paralysis. Spinal injuries account for almost 25% of mobility loss.
A Life Care Plan drafted by professionals will contain specific information relevant to the needs of the individual. This may include:
●Current and future medical needs, including medication, adaptive furniture, assisted living professionals, rehabilitation, etc.
● Transportation needs
● Recreational opportunities
● Construction modifications to the home to accommodate new equipment/needs
How are Life Care Plans Used by Personal Injury Lawyers?
In personal injury cases, life care plans are instrumental in building your case. They give the jury a lens into you or your loved one’s future needs and the validity of the compensation claim. Professional testimonials from medical doctors, psychologist and counselors and other professionals like economist are brought on to the team of experts, led by your attorney to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present and future needs of a seriously injured client for presentation at a jury trial.
At the Dinizulu Law Group, when we consult a life care planner, we ensure that all your anticipated needs will be taken into account. Our lawyers will make sure that the current and future medical needs are analyzed and supported across all providers. Unlike when Life Care Plans are established outside of litigation, the lawyers must help the Life Care Planner get admissible evidence from all of the team of experts to ensure that a judge will allow the jury to hear all parts of the Life Care Plan. The plan must include future medication, adaptive furniture, assisted living professionals, rehabilitation, transportation needs, recreational opportunities and construction modifications to the home to accommodate new realities like the need for wheel chair access, an elevator lift, and specialized bathing areas for the seriously injured.
We know if you or a loved one experiences a serious injury that you want the best personal injury lawyer on your case. We at Dinzulu Law Group, Ltd have extensive experience in personal injury lawsuits and presenting complicated and individualized Plans to the courts. If you have been injured, contact us today so that we can help you navigate the complex legal processes.
