What Are Life Care Plans?

Life care plans are dynamic and well-researched documents used to plan for the current and future needs of people who have chronic health issues or those who have experienced a severe injury.

These plans are often used in medical malpractice cases to show evidence of the pain and suffering the victim has experienced. Additionally, life care plans summarize the nature and cost of treatment, which helps make it easier for a jury to understand what damages are appropriate for the injured person.

Who Creates Life Care Plans?

Generally, life care plans are prepared by life care planners or other legal or medical experts who analyze the medical history and current prognosis of the victim, using that data to estimate the costs of future care.

It’s a team effort: Life care planners interview the victim and their family, communicate with healthcare professionals involved in the case, and consult the opinions of doctors and therapists. They also speak with economic specialists before compiling the document.

What Is Included in Life Care Plans?

The content within life care plans varies widely depending on the needs of the individual and their family. Depending on the case, some of the following elements may be addressed:

• Occupational, physical, recreational, speech, or psychological therapy
• Mobility and transportation equipment, such as wheelchairs
• Architectural renovations and home furnishings
• Evaluations by various healthcare providers
• Projected routine future medical care
• Medication and supplies
• Ongoing equipment maintenance
• Home or facility-based care needs
• Prosthetic or orthotic requirements
• Independent living aids

However, life care plans typically do not include treatment for future complications or medical advances due to the unpredictable nature of these items.

When Are Life Care Plans Required?

Life care plans may be required after a variety of injuries, accidents, or chronic health issues. Common medical malpractice injuries that require life care plans include traumatic brain injuries, birth defects, and paralysis. If an accident results in an ongoing health issue, a life care plan is most likely going to be created.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, contact the Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can answer your questions and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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