Life Care Plans in Maryland Car Accident Claims

Having a life care plan can help you in ways you may not have thought of, including after a car crash that severely injures you. For victims with long-term injuries, especially, a care plan helps by effectively outlining your needs for long-term treatment, stabilize their condition and address financial concerns.

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, our Maryland car accident lawyers have been helping car crash victims recover millions in compensation for decades. If you have questions about life care plans after your car crash, schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

No upfront costs. Call today to discuss your potential case: 410-297-0271.

What Is a Life Care Plan in an Injury Claim?

A life care plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the needs of a crash victim who sustained severe or life-altering injuries in a collision.

Specifically, a life care plan may include compensation to meet these and other needs:

• Long-term care
• Rehabilitation services
• Physical therapy
• Future surgeries
• Ongoing medication and/or medical supplies
• In-home nursing or home-care services
• Psychological counseling
• Adaptive equipment
• Home modifications, if needed
• Vocational rehabilitation, if applicable
• Pain management
• Secondary medical complications
• And more

When Are Life Care Plans Created – Before or After a Crash?

A life care plan is developed after a serious car crash, not before. This document can only be created once the full extent of a victim’s injuries and long-term needs are known. Typically this is done as part of the claims process or litigation.

A life care plan cannot be done before the injured party’s medical condition has stabilized. Only then can those involved make informed projections about that individual’s future care needs.

The plan is based on medical assessments, expert opinions and the specific circumstances of the injured individual, all of which can only be determined after the accident has occurred.

Who Creates a Life Care Plan – A Doctor?

A life care plan is typically not created by a single doctor, but rather by a team of professionals. More specifically, it is usually created by a certified life care planner. A life planner works in collaboration with other specialists, which may include:

• Medical doctors (relevant specialists)
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Vocational counselors
• Economists and financial analysts
• Psychologists or psychiatrists

The life care planner needs input from these experts to develop a comprehensive plan. This helps to ensure all aspects of the injured person’s future needs are considered. Doctors provide crucial medical information as part of that overall plan. However, the life care planner must incorporate this assessment along with other professional insights to create the full plan.

Do Lawyers Have to Work With a Life Care Planner?

Lawyers don’t necessarily have to work with a life care planner, but in cases involving severe, long-term injuries, such as crash victims with spinal cord injuries, it is highly beneficial.

Life care planners provide expert analysis and documentation that can significantly strengthen a claim. Their input helps lawyers accurately quantify future damages, which is crucial for securing fair compensation. In complex cases, the detailed projections from a life care planner can be invaluable in negotiations or at trial.

In cases where victims have less severe injuries or cases that are more straightforward, lawyers may opt to build their case without a formal life care plan.

When Is a Life Care Plan Considered Final?

Finalizing a life care plan involves several key steps to ensure it is both accurate and complete. These steps include:

• The life care planner will review the draft with the injured person and family members.
• Medical experts review the plan for medical accuracy and appropriateness.
• Any necessary adjustments from these reviews get incorporated into the final document.
• The legal team reviews the plan, providing any final advice that may be appropriate.

The final plan provides crucial evidence that helps to support settlement negotiations or court proceedings. It also provides a clear roadmap for the injured person’s future care needs and associated costs.

Have Questions About Life Care Plans After Your Car Crash? Contact Us Today

Have you or a loved one suffered long-term or permanent injuries from a Maryland car crash? If so, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney.

The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl has a history of proven results, and our legal team is ready to help you seek full and fair compensation for your medical costs and other losses.

Call Our Trusted Law Firm to Discuss Your Case Today: 410-297-0271.