What Victims Need to Know About Certified Life Care Planning
WHEN FACED WITH A LIFE-CHANGING INJURY, AN EXPERIENCE LAFAYETTE ATTORNEY CAN HELP GUIDE LOUISIANA VICTIMS IN OBTAINING NECESSARY CARE
“The life care plan is a dynamic document based upon 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 chronic health care needs.”
— International Conference on Life Care Planning and the International Academy of Life Care Planners
Certified Life Care Planning is a highly specialized field that focuses on assessing, planning, and managing healthcare needs for victims with severe injuries or chronic medical conditions. Certified Life Care Plans enable injured or ill people to receive all necessary medical treatments and support services to heal or improve their quality of life.
Certified Life Care Plans should include detailed information about current and future needs, such as medications, therapy, equipment, home modifications, transportation, home health care, and case management. Plans are periodically reviewed to adjust to changing needs.
Plans are usually created by Certified Life Care Planners (LCPs). LCPs work closely with victims, their families, and other healthcare professionals to thoroughly assess their needs and develop curated life care plans.
In the context of personal injury or malpractice lawsuits, a Certified Life Care Plan can be used to establish the extent of a victim’s injuries and the costs of their ongoing care. An LCP is an expert witness in court, and their testimony can help guide settlement negotiations to ensure victims receive compensation to cover the cost of their care.
Injured Victims Who Could Benefit from Certified Life Care Planning
Victims who have sustained one of the following injuries could benefit from a Certified Life Care plan.
Spinal cord injuries result in paralysis and require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support services.
Traumatic brain injuries lead to cognitive and physical impairments that may require ongoing therapy and support services to manage.
Severe burn injuries require extensive medical treatment, skin grafts, and ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.
Amputations require prosthetics, physical therapy, and other support services to manage.
Multiple fractures lead to long-term mobility issues and may require rehabilitation, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
Injuries to vital organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, and kidney can require lifelong treatment and management.
Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson, and other chronic neurological conditions require a lifetime of treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, and support.
Ways an Attorney Can Help Victims Obtain Certified Life Care Planning
An attorney can play a vital role in helping a victim who needs Certified Life Care Planning by providing guidance and representation throughout the legal process. Some specific ways that an attorney can help include:
- Explaining the legal process and the role of certified life care planning
- Identifying qualified LCPs
- Representing the victim in court
- Assessing the claim’s value
- Assisting with insurance claims and denials
- Helping the victim understand the long-term costs and outcomes
Hiring a Certified Life Care Plan Lawyer in Louisiana
Anyone who has suffered a severe injury should call Welborn & Hargett immediately. We will engage a Certified LCP to determine future medical needs and a forensic economist to determine the exact cost. These calculations are vital following a severe injury.
