Elder and Long-Term Care Planning for Wrongful Death Cases

Reviewed by KW Life Care Planning Editorial Team

Elder Care Planning for wrongful death cases where a claim or court proceeding is also involved: how the family and fiduciary care plan is prepared, what it documents, and how it is used alongside the claim.

How Elder and Long-Term Care Planning applies to Wrongful Death

In survival claims the planner reconstructs the care delivered from injury to death, including hospitalization, skilled nursing, home health, equipment, medications, and family-provided attendant care, and confirms that each item was medically appropriate. Where the decedent was the caregiver for a disabled spouse, child, or parent, the plan documents that dependent's ongoing needs and the paid services now required to replace the care the decedent provided.

Typical deliverables

A written care plan organized by care category and time period, with a documented cost source for each item, and, when separately retained for the proceeding, testimony to the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a life care planner do in a wrongful death case?

Two things, depending on the facts: document and value the care delivered between injury and death, and, where the decedent was caring for a dependent with a disability, project the cost of replacing that care through the dependent's life expectancy.

Is family-provided care between injury and death compensable?

Many jurisdictions allow recovery of the reasonable value of care family members provided. The planner documents the hours and level of care and applies local market rates so counsel can present the value under the governing law.

How is replacement care for a surviving dependent projected?

The planner evaluates the dependent's current needs with their treating providers, identifies which of those needs the decedent was meeting, and projects paid services at local rates through the dependent's projected life expectancy, noting any public benefits the jurisdiction treats as collateral.

Does the life care planner opine on cause of death?

No. Causation is a physician question. The planner documents care needs and costs consistent with the medical record and the physicians' opinions.

References

  1. National Center for Health Statistics - Life Expectancy
  2. CMS - Home Health Services

Ready to Get Started on Elder Care Planning for wrongful death cases?

Contact our team to discuss the person's current care needs and the decision the plan must support. KW Life Care Planning works directly with families, guardians, trustees, and care managers; no attorney is required to engage the practice. Request a Consultation or call (201) 343-0700.