Quite often I have attorneys ask me the question, “What kind of report is recommended for what type of case?” While the answer can seem complex, here are some good rule-of-thumb guidelines that can help guide you in the settlement process.

A Life Care Plan is a comprehensive estimate of an individual’s medical and non-medical needs throughout their lifetime that result from a catastrophic injury or chronic illness. Typically, life care plans are for individuals who are suffering from a chronic illness, catastrophic injury, require in-home care and long-term management and can include any of the following:

Medical / Personal Injuries
Chronic Pain
Amputations
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Burns and traumas
Transplants
Birth injuries
Cerebral palsy
Elder Care

A Medical Cost Projection on the other hand is a condensed report that forecasts all future medical, rehabilitative, durable medical equipment, and pharmaceutical costs of a claimant’s non-catastrophic injury or illness, including:

Motor Vehicle Accidents involving whiplash associated dysfunction
Orthopedic impairments and disabilities
Non-invasive spinal procedures including: Nerve ablations, Medial Branch Blocks, Facet Injections, Epidurals; etc
Surgical Procedures such as spinal fusions; etc.

When Would I Need a Medical Cost Projection Instead of a Life Care Plan?

Compared to a life care plan, a medical cost projection is a shorter, abbreviated estimate of medical care costs. Oftentimes an in-person interview is not included in the estimation of a medical cost projection. The turnaround time is shorter and more cost effective than that of a life care plan. While a life care plan may be used when a case is going to trial, a medical cost projection is ideal for: