People who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, severe burn injury or any other kind of injury that will require ongoing medical care for the remainder of their lives will face many challenges. If they are involved in a personal injury lawsuit in order to get compensation for their injuries, a life care plan is a vital tool that helps attorneys understand and assess the financial requirements of these cases.

What is a life care plan?

A life care plan, according to the International Academy of Life Care Planners, is a dynamic document based on published standards of practice, comprehensive assessment, data analysis and research which provides an organized, concise plan for current and future needs with associated costs for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs.

Financial considerations following catastrophic injury

If a person has received a traumatic brain injury, is unable to work, and will require ongoing medical care along with assistance with personal care, this will have a significant financial impact on the patient’s quality of life. A person who is becomes a quadriplegic after a truck accident may require several surgeries and rehabilitative care. They will be unable to work, but their medical and other expenses will continue to accumulate.

Life care plans are sought by the courts in cases where there has been catastrophic injury so that judges and juries have a clear understanding if the long-term economic costs of caring for the patient. Life care planners work with doctors and other health care professionals to create a plan that takes their input into consideration when creating a life care plan, which is unique to each individual case.

Life care planners can also serve as expert witnesses for the plaintiff to explain to the court all of the details of the plan from the medical to the financial aspects of the plan.

In addition to being a helpful tool in the court room, a life care plan can be helpful in the ongoing case management for the injured individual. Family members and members of the medical and daily care team can reference the plan as it encompasses the long-term needs of the patient from a comprehensive perspective.

Families of loved ones who are facing a life or permanent disability after having survived a terrible accident can schedule a consultation with a Knoxville personal injury attorney who will listen with compassion and offer informed legal advice about how to proceed with a personal injury claim. You or your loved one deserves fair compensation for injuries that will have a lasting detrimental impact for the remainder of their lives.

If you would like more information about recovery after a catastrophic injury you may contact Banks and Jones to schedule a consultation.