Life care planning is the process of developing a comprehensive plan for the long-term medical, psychological, and financial needs of a person who has sustained a catastrophic injury or chronic illness. In the context of a lawsuit, a life care plan can be used to document the plaintiff’s future medical expenses and lost earnings.
Nurse life care planners (NLCPs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in developing and reviewing life care plans. However, even experienced NLCPs can make mistakes when writing a life care plan for a lawsuit. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Failing to obtain all relevant medical records. The NLCP must have a complete understanding of the plaintiff’s medical history in order to develop an accurate life care plan. This includes obtaining all relevant medical records, such as hospital records, doctor’s notes, and imaging studies.
- Not using evidence-based practice. The NLCP should base the life care plan on the latest medical research and evidence-based practice guidelines. This means using the most up-to-date information available to make recommendations about the plaintiff’s future care needs.
- Making unrealistic or speculative estimates. The NLCP should not make unrealistic or speculative estimates about the plaintiff’s future medical expenses or lost earnings. These estimates should be based on the best available evidence and should be adjusted as new information becomes available.
- Not considering the plaintiff’s individual circumstances. Every case is different, and the NLCP must consider the plaintiff’s individual circumstances when developing the life care plan. This includes factors such as the plaintiff’s age, lifestyle, and goals.
- Not being objective. The NLCP must be objective when developing the life care plan and should not let their personal opinions or biases influence their recommendations.
These are just a few of the mistakes that NLCPs can make when writing a life care plan for a lawsuit. By avoiding these mistakes, NLCPs can help to ensure that the life care plan is accurate, comprehensive, and objective.
In addition to the mistakes listed above, there are a few other things that NLCPs should keep in mind when writing a life care plan for a lawsuit.
First, the plan should be clear and concise, and it should be written in a way that is easy for the judge or jury to understand.
Second, the plan should be specific and should include detailed information about the plaintiff’s future medical, psychological, and financial needs.
Third, the plan should be updated as needed to reflect changes in the plaintiff’s condition or circumstances.
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Litigation Update: Why a Life Care Plan is an Invaluable Piece to Your Case