For many, sustaining an injury is an acute issue that can be easily managed with medication and rest. Others, however, are not as lucky. Unfortunately, you’ll find that some accidents can leave the injured party in need of long-term care. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll likely have many questions regarding your new circumstances, like what kind of care you may require and who is responsible for the medical bills you’ll incur. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why you should reach out to an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is a term used to describe services used to meet the physical or medical requirements of someone. This can be used to describe several services provided to someone to help them live independently or treat them for ongoing, chronic medical issues. Generally, this describes any amount of care that lasts anywhere from two years to indefinitely.
Examples of long-term care services include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Medical care
- Transportation services
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Hygiene
- Household chores
For example, if you suffer a traumatic brain injury as a result of your accident, you may require ongoing home care services or counseling to manage the impact on your life. If you are paralyzed, you may require medical care for the rest of your life, as well as independent living training or a home health aide.
Who Pays for the Cost of Care?
When considering long-term care, the cost is something that many are incredibly nervous about. After all, paying for medical care for years, if not the rest of your life, can be incredibly overwhelming. If you are unable to work or cannot return to your job at full capacity because of the injuries sustained, this can be even more anxiety-inducing.
However, it’s important that while your insurance may cover some of the costs associated with this care, the best way to receive the compensation you need is to file a lawsuit against the negligent party for the damage you’ve suffered due to their negligence.
Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Because pursuing a lawsuit can be incredibly complex, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney. Not only can they help you calculate the damages you need with the help of resources like vocational experts and life care planners to determine your estimated care costs, but they can help fight for the funds you deserve.
When you have sustained a life-altering injury at the hands of a negligent party, understanding the importance of connecting with an experienced personal injury attorney is in your best interest. At Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, our dedicated legal team understands how complex these matters can be. That’s why our firm is committed to helping you through this process so you can understand every step along the way. Connect with us today to discuss your legal options.
