Before retaining a life care planner in a TBI matter, confirm that the severity classification and the cognitive, behavioral, and physical sequelae are documented well enough for the treating team to describe long-term needs. A completed or scheduled neuropsychological evaluation is usually the gate: it supplies the functional basis for supervision, therapy, and support recommendations in the plan.
Checklist
Confirm TBI severity from the acute records: Glasgow Coma Scale, loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, and imaging
Determine whether a neuropsychological evaluation is complete or scheduled
Identify the current level of supervision, therapy, and medication management
Estimate plan scope from the functional picture before committing to the full expert complement
Questions to ask the expert
Do you have life care planning experience at this severity level?
How do you translate neuropsychological findings into supervision and support recommendations?
How do you coordinate with the neuropsychologist and treating physiatrist?
Timeline
2-4 weeks between initial consideration and retention, sooner if the neuropsychological evaluation is already complete.
Required documents
Acute care and rehabilitation records
Neuropsychological evaluation or screening results if available
Current medication, therapy, and supervision arrangements
Common pitfalls
Retaining before neuropsychological data is in, so the plan has no functional basis for supervision hours
Underestimating mild TBI where persistent symptoms drive ongoing therapy and medication management
Moderate-to-severe TBI almost always does. Mild TBI warrants a plan when symptoms persist and the treating team projects ongoing therapy, medication management, or supervision.
Ready to Get Started on traumatic brain injury cases?
Contact our team to discuss how KW Life Care Planning can support your case with certified life care planning expertise. Request a Consultation or call (201) 343-0700.