Along with broken bones and other bodily injuries, concussions are a common outcome of automobile accidents. The symptoms arising from a concussion and how long they persist will depend on the severity of the injury and other individual factors. In some cases, sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to lasting effects that require long-term treatment. An evidence-based life care plan thoroughly outlines a patient’s current and future care needs so that these may be fully taken into account when calculating their car accident concussion settlement amount.
At Cardinal LifeCare Consulting, we connect law firms with legal nurse consultants, medical expert witnesses, medical case managers and life care planning specialists. In this article, we’ll provide examples of factors which may be considered to determine settlement value and explain how our services can help provide a firm basis for a brain injury claim. To learn more about how our network of qualified professionals can be of service to car accident attorneys and their clients, read on or contact us at 724-487-0519.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Concussion Settlement Amounts
Concussions can cause an extensive list of effects, some of which may not be apparent right away. Ongoing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, memory problems and trouble concentrating can interfere with a patient’s ability to perform their daily activities, including attending and performing well at work or school. In light of these serious potential effects and the possibility that they may linger indefinitely, it’s no wonder patients often seek compensation after sustaining a concussion in a car accident.
One of the main factors considered when calculating an appropriate car accident concussion settlement amount is the patient’s post-concussion care needs and associated costs. Testing and treatment needed to rehabilitate a patient can be expensive and may include both physical and emotional therapies, especially for an individual experiencing post-concussion syndrome.
Examples of therapies which may be necessary to aid in a patient’s recovery include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation to help with balance, coordination and dizziness;
- Vision therapy to help restore object tracking ability;
- Physical therapy for head/neck pain; and
- Counseling for emotional impacts such as anxiety and depression.
Working with a Life Care Planner or Medical Expert Witness on a TBI Case
Drawing on their expertise, evidence from the case at hand and relevant medical literature, a certified life care planner can evaluate and create a comprehensive, defendable report detailing a patient’s current and future care needs after a concussion. Providing a detailed, objective summary of treatments required to maximize the patient’s quality of life, along with specifics on how much they will cost, a life care plan can be a key piece of supporting evidence for an injury claim.
Consulting a concussion expert witness can also be of immense value, as this professional will be able to explain the medical consequences of the patient’s TBI, even if they are not outwardly obvious.
If you are a lawyer working on a case involving a patient who sustained a TBI in a car accident, the team at Cardinal LifeCare is here to help with your case. To be connected with the right experts, call us today at 724-487-0519.
