Case Management after a Serious Injury
When an individual experiences a serious injury, such as a brain injury or spinal injury, the impact is immediate and brings about significant challenges, both medically and logistically. The effects of a serious injury are complex and wide-ranging, often involving immediate needs post injury and also long-term needs.
A large amount of professional support and coordination is needed to support the individual and their family post-injury. Finding the most suitable support network and services to help them regain independence and a quality-of-life takes a lot of time, work, and knowledge – this is where a case manager steps in.
What is Case Management?
Case Management is a service which involves a structured/collaborative approach designed to support a client, following a serious injury. This process focuses on coordinating various services, facilitating rehabilitation efforts, and ensuring appropriate care is provided.
Case Management revolves around assessing the client’s needs and requirements and pinpointing suitable, cost-effective resources to optimise benefits for both the individual and their family. The initial evaluation is often called a Immediate Needs Assessment (INA), and this is pivotal in understanding the challenges a client may face and how to overcome these.
A rehabilitation and care plan is developed following this evaluation. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), the assessor will work with clinical specialists, rehabilitation experts, and any other professional who is involved with the care of the client, to develop this plan. Continuously monitored, the plan is reviewed, and changes are made, as necessary.
Understanding what type of care is needed, the planning and implementation of it, and coordination of a rehabilitation package is best taken by a Case Manager who specialises in the type of injury sustained by the individual. As each client has their own needs, expectations, and requirements, a Case Manager will be adaptable and flexible to meet these. Often forming therapeutic relationships with a client and their family, a Case Manager will help the client to create informed decisions, ensure their voice is heard during their rehabilitation, and play a key role in the client’s litigation process.
Injuries that Require a Case Manager
A case in which an individual faces catastrophic, serious, or potentially life-changing injuries that causes significant impact on the person’s life, and their family’s life, will often result in a Case Manager being instructed.
Our Case Managers work across many cases and have specialist expertise in:
- Brain Injury Claims
- Birth Injury Claims including Cerebral Palsy
- Spinal Cord Injury Claims including Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Amputation
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
How do I get a Case Manager?
The first step is to speak to a solicitor who practices in the field relating to the injury sustained:
Medical Negligence Claims often involve Cauda Equina Syndrome claims and Cerebral Palsy claims.
Serious Injury Claims often involve Spinal Cord Injury claims, Brain Injury claims or Amputation Claims.
If they find Case Management to be beneficial to you, they will refer you to a Case Manager who is specialised in the type of care required.
