A life care plan is a comprehensive document projecting all future medical, rehabilitative, and supportive care needs following a spinal cord injury. Life care plans are essential evidence in SCI litigation, providing the foundation for calculating future damages.
What Is a Life Care Plan?
A life care plan is prepared by a certified life care planner and documents:
- All anticipated future medical needs
- Required equipment and supplies
- Attendant care requirements
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Therapeutic and rehabilitation services
- Costs for each item through life expectancy
The life care plan translates medical needs into dollar amounts that become the basis for future damage calculations.
Who Prepares Life Care Plans?
Certified Life Care Planners
Life care planners typically have backgrounds in:
- Rehabilitation nursing
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation counseling
Certification (CLCP, CCM, CDMS) demonstrates specialized training in life care planning methodology.
Physician Input
Life care planners rely on treating physicians and medical experts for:
- Prognosis information
- Expected complications
- Treatment recommendations
- Approval of plan components
Components of a Spinal Cord Injury Life Care Plan
Medical Care
- Physician visits—physiatry, urology, pulmonology, primary care
- Hospitalizations—expected for complications
- Surgical procedures—anticipated future surgeries
- Diagnostic testing—regular monitoring tests
- Medications—all ongoing prescriptions with costs
Therapy Services
- Physical therapy—maintenance and skill-building
- Occupational therapy—function optimization
- Respiratory therapy—for higher-level injuries
- Psychological counseling—ongoing mental health support
Durable Medical Equipment
- Wheelchairs—with replacement schedule
- Hospital beds and mattresses
- Transfer lifts
- Respiratory equipment
- Communication devices
Medical Supplies
- Catheter supplies—monthly costs
- Bowel supplies
- Wound care supplies
- Respiratory supplies
Attendant Care
- Hours needed per day
- Skill level required
- Hourly rates by caregiver type
- Annual costs projected through life expectancy
Home Modifications
- Initial modifications needed
- Future replacement or upgrades
- Maintenance costs
Transportation
- Accessible vehicle purchase
- Vehicle replacement schedule
- Maintenance and modifications
The Life Care Planning Process
Record Review
The planner reviews all medical records to understand:
- Injury severity and classification
- Treatment received
- Current functional status
- Documented complications
Client Interview
Meeting with the injured person to assess:
- Current abilities and limitations
- Daily routine and challenges
- Current care arrangements
- Unmet needs
Medical Consultation
Consultation with treating physicians regarding:
- Expected disease course
- Anticipated complications
- Recommended treatments and interventions
Research and Costing
The planner researches:
- Local costs for services and equipment
- Medicare/standard fee schedules
- Replacement frequencies for equipment
- Expected cost inflation
Life Care Plan Format
A typical life care plan includes:
Narrative Section
- Background and methodology
- Medical history summary
- Current functional status
- Prognosis discussion
Cost Tables
Detailed tables showing:
- Each item or service
- Frequency of need
- Unit cost
- Annual cost
- Lifetime cost
Summary and Totals
- Category subtotals
- Total lifetime costs
- Present value calculation (or done separately by economist)
Using Life Care Plans in Litigation
Foundation for Damages
The life care plan provides the factual basis for future medical damage claims. Each item is documented, justified, and costed.
Expert Testimony
The life care planner testifies at trial about:
- Methodology used
- Specific needs identified
- Basis for each cost
- Total projected expenses
Coordination with Economist
An economist may:
- Calculate present value of future costs
- Apply appropriate discount rates
- Project inflation adjustments
Defense Challenges to Life Care Plans
Defense experts may challenge:
- Hours of care needed—arguing less care required
- Equipment recommendations—suggesting cheaper alternatives
- Medical projections—disputing expected complications
- Cost estimates—using lower cost data
Well-documented plans with physician support withstand challenges.
Conclusion
Life care planning is essential for spinal cord injury cases. A comprehensive, well-supported life care plan documents the millions of dollars needed for lifetime care. Without this documentation, settlements may fall far short of actual needs. Ensure your attorney retains a qualified life care planner experienced with spinal cord injuries.