Life Care Plan (LCP)
A Life Care Plan (LCP) is a comprehensive document developed by a certified professional—often a Legal Nurse Consultant, Life Care Planner, or medical expert—that outlines the current and future medical and supportive care needs of an individual who has experienced a catastrophic injury or chronic illness.
It is often used in legal cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, or disability claims.
Example Life Care Plan Outline
I
Introduction
- Purpose of the report
- Referral source (e.g., attorney or insurer)
- Individual evaluated (initials only for confidentiality)
- Date of injury and type (e.g., TBI from MVA)
II
Methodology
- Review of medical records and assessments
- Interviews with the individual, family, providers
- Standards and references used
- Site visit, if conducted
III
Medical History Summary
- Pre-injury medical status
- Description of injury/event
- Current diagnoses (primary and secondary)
- Functional limitations and impairments
IV
Current & Future Medical Needs
Each area includes frequency, duration, provider type, and cost estimate.
- Medical Treatment
- Specialists (e.g., neurologist, physiatrist)
- Primary care follow-ups
- Medications
- Prescription and OTC medications
- Pharmacy supplies
- Therapies
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology, behavioral therapy
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- Wheelchairs, hospital bed, shower chair, etc.
- Orthotics/Prosthetics
- Attendant/Personal Care
- Skilled nursing, home health aide hours
- Diagnostic Testing and Labs
- Mental Health/Counseling Services
- Transportation Needs
- Handicap-accessible van
- Medical transport services
- Home/Vehicle Modifications
- Vocational Needs (if applicable)
- Job retraining
- Education programs
- Projected Replacement Schedule
- Lifespan of equipment and expected replacements
V
Cost Summary (often in table format)
- Annual and lifetime cost projections
- Present value calculations (if required)
- Separate sections for categories
VI
Conclusion
- Final summary
- Signature and credentials of Life Care Planner
- Attachments:
- Curriculum Vitae of planner
- Medical records reviewed
- Cost research documentation
How It’s Used in Legal Cases
Personal Injury or Medical Malpractice Cases
- Plaintiff’s attorney uses the LCP to quantify damages.
- Supports claims for future medical costs, not just past care.
Settlement Negotiations
- Offers objective evidence for damages related to long-term care.
- Can significantly affect the value of the case.
Expert Testimony
- Life Care Planner may be called to testify in deposition or trial.
- Explains methodology and justifies each recommendation.
Defense Use
- Defense attorneys may obtain their own LCP for rebuttal.
- Compares needs and challenges projected costs or duration.
