Retaining a life care planner in a TBI case typically runs alongside a neuropsychologist and, for present value, an economist. Early coordination ensures the neuropsychological battery addresses the domains the plan depends on: supervision needs, safety, medication management, and the capacity to direct one's own care.
Checklist
Identify severity (mild, moderate, severe) from the clinical records
Confirm the neuropsychological evaluation has been ordered or completed
Retain the planner early enough to inform the neuropsychological referral questions
Provide all neurological and neuropsychological records, imaging, and rehabilitation discharge summaries
Coordinate the planner and economist on scenarios such as home-based versus supported-living care
Questions to ask the expert
How do you incorporate neuropsychological findings into supervision and support recommendations?
What peer-reviewed literature do you rely on for TBI complications and long-term care?
How do you distinguish pre-existing from TBI-attributable needs?
Have you testified in moderate-to-severe TBI cases?
Timeline
45-90 days from retention to report, longer when the neuropsychological evaluation is pending.
Required documents
Neurological and neuropsychological evaluations
Imaging (CT, MRI, DTI when available)
Acute care and rehabilitation records
Current medication, therapy, and supervision arrangements
Family description of daily function and safety concerns
Common pitfalls
Retaining before the neuropsychological evaluation is complete, leaving supervision hours unsupported
Overlooking mild TBI with persistent symptoms and ongoing treatment
Leaving the residential setting assumption undocumented
It is strongly recommended in moderate-to-severe TBI because it supplies the functional basis for supervision and support in the plan. Mild TBI cases often benefit but may proceed without one, depending on symptom persistence.
Does TBI affect life expectancy in the plan?
Peer-reviewed literature supports reduced life expectancy after severe TBI in some populations. Any adjustment is stated with its basis and tied to severity and function, and the plan is presented so the effect of a different life expectancy is transparent.
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.