A car accident. A sudden fall. A high-impact collision. In an instant, a traumatic brain injury shatters life as you know it. As you focus on your loved one's recovery, it's critical to plan for the long road ahead. That's where a comprehensive life care plan comes in—and an experienced brain injury lawyer is your strongest advocate to secure it.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, our Omaha traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you develop a brain injury life care plan that protects and supports your loved one. Here’s what you should know.
What Is a Brain Injury Life Care Plan?
A life care plan is a dynamic document that outlines the current and future needs of an individual with a catastrophic injury or illness. For individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), it's a roadmap that projects medical care, rehabilitation, equipment, home modifications, and support services over a lifetime.
Why Is a Life Care Plan Essential?
Without this detailed analysis, it's impossible to know the true scope of expenses your loved one will face long-term. An incomplete accounting leaves your family vulnerable to running out of resources down the road. By contrast, a thorough life care plan:
- Ensures access to high-quality care. A life care plan identifies and secures funding for top specialists, ongoing therapy, and necessary equipment.
- Considers the whole person. It addresses not only medical needs but also psychological, social, and recreational goals to achieve a fulfilling life.
- Remains flexible over time. As your loved one's condition progresses, the plan can adapt to reflect changing circumstances.
The High Cost of Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the CDC, the total annual healthcare cost of nonfatal TBIs is over $40 billion. For many families, the expenses are simply staggering. On average, costs are:
- $1,000+ per day for inpatient rehabilitation
- $100,000 per year for 24-hour in-home care
- $50,000–$100,000 for accessible vehicles
- $20,000–$200,000 for home modifications
Without a comprehensive plan and fair settlement, these costs can quickly drain a family's savings, leaving them in financial ruin. That's why it's so critical to work with a brain injury lawyer who understands the full scope of long-term needs.
What's Included in a Brain Injury Life Care Plan?
While every plan is unique, common elements often include:
- Medical care. Doctor visits, surgeries, medications, tests, and lab work.
- Rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies.
- Adaptive equipment. Wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and communication devices.
- Home accommodations. Ramps, lifts, bathroom fixtures, and safety features.
- In-home assistance. Skilled nursing care, personal care aides, and respite support.
- Accessible transportation. Wheelchair vans or vehicle modifications.
- Potential complications. Planning for seizures, infections, or behavioral changes.
A life care planning expert calculates costs using national survey data, published research, medical records, and interviews with the family. Adjustments for inflation provide a more accurate representation of future needs.
The Life Care Planning Process
Creating a life care plan is an interdisciplinary effort led by a certified life care planner. This professional has extensive training in catastrophic injuries, long-term care options, and cost analysis. The process typically involves:
- Record review. The planner examines accident reports, medical records, and rehabilitation notes.
- Interviews. Discussions with the individual, family, and treating professionals identify abilities, challenges, and goals.
- Research. Using standardized databases, the planner projects costs of care over the expected lifespan.
- Recommendations. The plan outlines the specific services and equipment required, along with their associated costs.
- Collaboration. The planner works with the legal team to integrate the plan into the overall case strategy.
A comprehensive life care plan can take several weeks to develop, but it's a critical investment in your loved one's future well-being.
How Can an Omaha Brain Injury Lawyer Help?
When you're feeling overwhelmed, an experienced attorney is your fiercest advocate. Your lawyer connects you with trusted experts to develop a brain injury life care plan that leaves nothing to chance. In the face of insurance company resistance, your attorney fights for full funding of the plan.
Building Your Case for Compensation
A strong life care plan is a pillar of your brain injury lawsuit. It paints a vivid picture of the daily realities and immense costs of catastrophic injuries. Illustrating the true impact anchors your case for maximum compensation.
With a comprehensive plan and a skilled Omaha TBI lawyer, you can face the future with greater peace of mind. While no amount of money can reverse a tragic injury, securing the resources to provide a lifetime of quality care is one of the most important steps you can take today. If you have questions about life care planning after a brain injury, the legal team at the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop is here to help.