When is a Life Care Plan Evaluation Necessary for Documenting Damages

Did you know that in the United States, over 2.8 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury every year, and many of them require lifelong medical care? For individuals with serious injuries, figuring out how much future care will cost is more than a guess—it requires a detailed plan. This is where a life care plan evaluation becomes essential.

If you or someone you love has experienced a life-changing injury or illness, understanding life care planning can make a big difference. A life care plan outlines the services, equipment, and care a person will need in the future—and the cost. It’s an important tool used in personal injury, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and disability cases to document damages in a way that courts and insurance companies recognize and trust.

In this article, we’ll explain what a life care plan is, when it is necessary, and why it’s such an important part of documenting damages after a serious injury.

What Is a Life Care Plan?

A life care plan is a written report developed by a trained professional—often a vocational expert or medical specialist. It provides a detailed outline of all future care needs for someone with a permanent disability or long-term medical condition. This may include:

• Medical treatments and surgeries.
  
  
• Medications.
  
  
• Physical or occupational therapy.
  
  
• Home health care services.
  
  
• Medical equipment and assistive devices.
  
  
• Psychological counseling.
  
  
• Transportation or housing modifications.
  
  
• Education or vocational rehabilitation.
  
  

The goal of life care planning is to make sure the injured person gets the right care throughout their life—and to show exactly how much that care will cost.

Who Creates a Life Care Plan?

A life care plan evaluation is usually done by a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP). These professionals have special training in medicine, rehabilitation, and case management. They may work with doctors, therapists, vocational experts, and other specialists to gather all the necessary information.

At OAS Inc., our experts combine medical knowledge with real-world experience to create life care plans that are trusted by attorneys, judges, and insurance companies.

When Is a Life Care Plan Evaluation Necessary?

Here are the most common situations when a life care plan evaluation becomes necessary:

1. After a Catastrophic Injury

If someone suffers a life-altering injury—like a brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, or amputation—they will likely need lifelong care. A life care plan is essential to determine future costs and ensure the person receives enough financial support.

2. In Personal Injury Lawsuits

In personal injury cases, the injured person (or plaintiff) must prove how the accident changed their life. A life care plan provides solid, expert-backed documentation of the ongoing medical and non-medical needs, helping the court understand how much compensation is truly needed.

3. For Workers’ Compensation Claims

When an employee gets seriously injured on the job, the workers’ compensation system provides benefits. But without a life care plan, it’s hard to show how much future care will cost. A life care plan ensures injured workers are not left undercompensated.

4. In Medical Malpractice Cases

If a doctor’s mistake causes permanent damage, the injured patient may need long-term medical support. A life care plan evaluation helps explain what care is needed and how much it will cost, now and in the future.

5. For Veterans and Social Security Disability Claims

Some veterans and people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) need life care plans to support their claims. These plans show how a disability affects daily life and why long-term care is needed.

Why Is a Life Care Plan So Important?

A life care plan does more than just list expenses. It:

• Provides clear and reliable evidence for legal cases.
  
  
• Helps determine fair compensation for injured individuals.
  
  
• Guides families and caregivers on what to expect and how to plan.
  
  
• Gives courts and insurance companies trustworthy cost estimates.
  
  

Without a life care plan, injured people may not get enough money to cover future medical needs, which can lead to financial stress and poor quality of life.

What Happens During a Life Care Plan Evaluation?

A typical life care plan evaluation includes:

1. Review of Medical Records: The planner studies past and current medical reports to understand the injury or illness.
   
   
2. Interviews and Assessments: The injured person and their family are interviewed. The planner may also conduct physical or functional evaluations.
   
   
3. Consultation with Experts: Medical providers, therapists, and vocational experts are consulted to predict future needs.
   
   
4. Research on Costs: Real-world data is used to estimate the costs of care, services, and equipment.
   
   
5. Written Report: A detailed report is created, including cost projections and timelines.
   
   

How Life Care Planning Helps Legal Teams

Attorneys often rely on life care planning to support their clients' claims. A well-prepared life care plan can:

• Strengthen negotiations with insurance companies.
  
  
• Provide expert testimony in court.
  
  
• Make it easier to settle cases fairly.
  
  
• Clarify damages for judges and juries.
  
  

At OAS Inc., we work closely with legal teams to provide expert life care plan evaluations that meet the highest standards of accuracy, trust, and professionalism.

Real-World Example

Imagine a 30-year-old construction worker suffers a spinal cord injury and becomes paralyzed from the waist down. He will need a wheelchair, in-home care, physical therapy, and home modifications for the rest of his life.

Without a life care plan, it would be nearly impossible to estimate how much all this care would cost. But with a professionally prepared life care plan evaluation, the attorney can show the court exactly what the injured worker needs—and why a specific compensation amount is fair.

How Much Does a Life Care Plan Cost?

The cost of creating a life care plan varies depending on the case’s complexity. However, the value it adds in legal or insurance claims can far outweigh the initial expense. A detailed and trusted plan can help recover hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in compensation.

Final Thoughts

A life care plan evaluation is not just paperwork—it’s a vital tool that protects the future of someone facing serious, lifelong challenges. Whether you're an injured individual, a family member, or an attorney, having a clear plan backed by expert knowledge ensures fair compensation and peace of mind.

Contact OAS today to schedule a life care plan evaluation and protect your client’s future.

FAQs: Life Care Plan