A Stokes & Associates life care plan identifies projected care, anticipated frequency and duration, and associated current costs. Recommendations are evaluated in relation to the medical record, available provider opinions, the clinical interview, and other information relevant to the assignment. The report identifies the basis for each recommendation and any material limitations in the available information.
Each plan is prepared by a Certified Life Care Planner who applies peer-reviewed, generally accepted life care planning methodology, professional standards, and clinical judgment appropriate to the assignment. The planner follows a structured process for reviewing records, evaluating recommendations, researching costs, and documenting the information, sources, assumptions, and methods relied upon. This approach is designed to produce a plan that is reliable, defensible, and reproducible, allowing another qualified professional to understand how the conclusions were reached and, using the same information and assumptions, evaluate or replicate the analysis. When economic analysis is requested, a separately qualified forensic economist may calculate present value using the life care plan as an input and independently states the economic assumptions and methods used.
The records reviewed depend on the scope of the assignment and the materials provided. They may include medical, vocational, educational, employment, earnings, military, deposition, and other relevant records. The report identifies the materials reviewed and any significant information requested but not available.
We interview the evaluee and, where appropriate, family members. We document current function, daily care needs, the home environment, and the support the person relies on.
When appropriate to the assignment and reasonably possible, the life care planner may confer with treating or consulting physicians to clarify recommendations relevant to future care. The report identifies any physician input relied upon and does not imply that a physician has adopted opinions outside that physician’s statements or records.
Recommendations are evaluated for medical probability, relationship to the condition or injury at issue, support in the available record and provider opinions, and consistency with accepted life care planning methodology. The weight assigned to each source and any material limitations depend on the facts and scope of the individual case.
Cost research is tailored to the item, geographic area, available providers, and purpose of the assignment. Depending on those factors, sources may include treating-provider information, vendor or provider surveys, published cost data, fee schedules, and other recognized resources. The report identifies the sources used, the date of the research, and any material limitations affecting the resulting cost.
For defense counsel, we provide independent peer review of life care plans prepared by other experts. Depending on the referral questions, materials available, and issues presented, the review may evaluate the support for particular recommendations, assumptions concerning frequency and duration, possible duplicate or overlapping services, internal consistency, calculation accuracy, and the basis for stated costs. The review identifies the matters examined, the information relied upon, and any limitations. When the assignment and available foundation warrant it, a separate responsive life care plan may be prepared.
Turnaround time depends on the scope of the assignment, volume and condition of the records, need for interviews or conferences, expert availability, and applicable deadlines. Expedited scheduling may be available after those factors are reviewed.
We work alongside plaintiff and defense counsel in federal and state courts across the country.
Wonderful experience with both the expert and staff. Ms. Peralta’s reports have repeatedly provided my clients powerful support in their cases, particularly at the point of mediation. I’d be surprised to learn if any attorney in my office wasn’t already at least occasionally retaining you guys!
Our thanks to you, Ms. Peralta, and everyone else involved for your invaluable assistance, and we look forward to working with you all again in the future. Best regards.
Trusted Client
On behalf of our client and our team, a special thanks to you and Dr. Wolfson for your time, preparation, and assistance throughout this case. Your work was greatly appreciated.
I look forward to working together again soon.
Trusted Client
We are thrilled with the services provided by Stokes & Associates, especially the work of Todd Capielano and his staff. We highly recommend their team and trust only Stokes & Associates with the needs of our clients for life care planning.
Dewayne Burrell, The Burrell Firm
Trusted Client
Dr. Lastrapes, I’m so excited by how quickly you all are moving this along. It’s a breath of fresh air and very much appreciated.
Trusted Client
The lawyers at my firm and I have enjoyed working with Stokes & Associates on continuation of care projections in our cases. Clayton and his team provide outstanding support, in a timely manner, and at a fair price. Their life care plans are thorough, well-documented, and easy to understand, making them a valuable asset in presenting long-term needs clearly and effectively. They are responsive, professional, and knowledgeable. If you haven’t had the opportunity to work on a project with Clayton, I recommend you give him a shot.
Trusted Client
Mrs. Brandy Bradley, we recently settled this particular case. Thanks for all of your excellent work and assistance.
Trusted Client
I contacted Clayton to do a life care plan on a complex case with major long-term impairments. Clayton and his team quickly jumped on board by scheduling a meeting with me, reviewing all the records I provided, and directly contacting all necessary healthcare providers. Clayton took care of everything for me behind the scenes while also keeping me fully apprised with his progress. Towards the end, he gave me a preview of the expected results to make sure they aligned with the evidentiary standards I needed to satisfy. He also recognized the need for an additional report on future lost wages and recommended a colleague at Stokes who could create that. The final product was fantastic and added significant value to my case. I would hire Clayton again in a heartbeat and would recommend the same to anyone else.
Trusted Client
Thanks for all your assistance in getting these reports done on short notice!
I will recommend your services around our office, and I’ll be in touch in the future.
Trusted Client
I was blown away by the report and will definitely engage Dr. Wolfson on my next case needing a life care planner. I look forward to working with you again in the future!
Trusted Client
Dr. Lastrapes, your report was a huge part of my negotiation, so thank you so much! It has been great working with you.
Trusted Client
Ms. Bradley, thank you for your help! You were fantastic! I will definitely keep you in mind for future cases.
Trusted Client
Recognized by the organizations that define our professions
Initial consultations are complimentary. Share a brief overview and we'll match you with the right professional on our team.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted regarding your inquiry. Information shared is treated confidentially.
We'd love to stay in touch. To receive a monthly email with blog insights from our team, enter your email to join our mailing list.
info@stokes-associates.com