Long-Term & Life Care Plans For Spinal Cord Injuries

The Law Offices of Robert G. Schock assists injured clients in establishing long-term and life care plans, which are essential to identifying and recovering the present and future costs associated with a spinal cord injury. From his convenient office location in Oakland, Robert G. Schock is well situated to assist clients all over Northern California, from San Francisco and San Mateo counties to Butte and Tehama counties.

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Serious

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often have long-lasting or permanent effects, which must be treated throughout the injured party’s lifetime. SCI may require long-term in-home care or nursing home care; medication to control side effects such as spasticity, rehabilitation or other treatments; and a myriad assistive devices, including braces, walkers, wheelchairs or ventilators. In addition, SCI often results in complications over time, including bladder infections or eventual osteoporosis, but early recognition and treatment of these complications can help prevent further injuries. Thus, it is important for people who have suffered from SCI to get regular checkups and remain watchful of their changing conditions.

Over the patient’s lifetime, the medical costs associated with long-term care options continue to accrue and should be accounted for when determining an award of damages. In order to address treatment options and medical costs, it is important to develop a comprehensive life care plan. Different medical and vocational therapists may work together to develop a long-term health care and rehabilitation plan that sufficiently addresses all aspects of the patient’s life and needs. Medical professionals can help to plan out treatment options and costs, including medical equipment, medications and basic living assistance. Depending on the severity of an SCI, a medical professional may be able to suggest modifications to a patient’s home to allow him or her to live independently, including wheelchair ramps, voice activated computers, or devices to control lights, phones or doors. In addition, it may be possible for the patient to enter a rehabilitation program created specifically to address the concerns of people suffering from SCI.

In addition to addressing an injured party’s long-term medical and basic living needs, a life plan should also address the party’s ability to obtain employment. A vocational specialist or occupational therapist may be able to help to identify possible vocations or work sites and assist in determining the need for assistive equipment and workplace modifications.

We Consult Other Professionals

Additional professionals may need to be consulted to address all of the patient’s present and future needs and costs, including:

  • Nurses or other caregivers
  • Social workers
  • Nutritionists
  • Psychologists or psychiatrists
  • Physical therapists
  • Recreational therapists who can identify and facilitate participation in previously beloved hobbies, athletics and other activities

Call Us Today For Help

By developing a comprehensive long-term care or life care plan, an injured party can help jurors and other fact finders to better understand the long-term ramifications a defendant’s negligence has caused. Robert G. Schock is experienced in helping clients to develop life care plans and maximizing their potential for recovery. Contact the Law Offices of Robert G. Schock today for a free case evaluation.