Retaining an Expert for Spinal Cord Injury Cases
SCI cases require coordination between treating physiatrist, life care planner, vocational expert, and economist. The life care plan typically anchors the damages case given the extensive future care.
Checklist
- Confirm ASIA Impairment Scale classification and neurological level
- Retain CLCP with SCI-specific experience
- Coordinate with treating physiatrist on future care recommendations
- Retain vocational expert and economist for earning capacity and present value
- Plan for periodic life care plan updates if settlement is distant
Questions to ask the expert
- How does neurological level affect your vocational opinion?
- How do you cost equipment replacement intervals?
- What attendant care methodology do you use?
- How do you address reduced worklife expectancy for this level of injury?
Timeline
A comprehensive life care plan is typically 30 to 60 days from receipt of complete records, longer for complex plans; vocational and economic reports can run in parallel.
Required documents
- Acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient records
- ASIA examinations and imaging
- Durable medical equipment history
- Home and vehicle configuration details
- Employment history and earnings records
Common pitfalls
- Underestimating attendant care needs by skipping a functional assessment
- Omitting periodic equipment replacements
- Inadequate home modification planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all SCI cases need a life care plan?
Nearly all SCI cases with residual neurological deficit benefit from a life care plan. Very minor incomplete injuries may not require one.
References
- National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical CenterGovernment
- Christopher & Dana Reeve FoundationOrganization
Ready to Get Started on spinal cord injury cases?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.