Importance of case managers for the seriously injured
The involvement of a case manager is vital on a variety of cases
About case managers
A case manager is used on a regular basis in order to assist with seriously injured clients’ rehabilitation following the accident. The case manager will assess the injured person’s rehabilitation needs and address what is needed to rehabilitate them so that they make as good a recovery as possible. They look at every aspect of the person’s physical, intellectual and emotional wellbeing and make recommendations for rehabilitation which they can then facilitate once funding has been approved.
On the surface, some cases may not seem suitable for a case manager as you may require straightforward physiotherapy or psychological treatment which could be dealt with by a standard treatment provider. You may also have reasonable mobility and support from friends and family to help with domestic duties as you recover following your injury.
However, cases involving, what seem at the start, to be straightforward fractures and possible surgeries, needing standard treatment to aid recovery can develop to the extent that further and more complex treatment is required.
What is a medico legal report?
A medico-legal report is a document written by a medical professional to support a client in any legal case where you are required to provide medical proof or evidence of injuries sustained in an accident.
Glossary of terms
Have a look at our glossary of terms for a straightforward explanation of some of the most common legal terms and acronyms
“A case manager was instructed on a case involving a motorcyclist who suffered a fractured collarbone. They were initially instructed to facilitate physiotherapy for the client, but following a medico-legal examination, they were recommended for surgery. The case manager was able to arrange a private orthopaedic surgeon consultation in order to arrange the required surgical intervention. The case manager liaised with Minster Law, the client, defendant insurers and the Orthopaedic Surgeon to ensure surgery was arranged and funded. The involvement of the case manager was vital, as trust was already in place with all parties and a swift surgical date was arranged. The client underwent successful surgery followed by further physiotherapy and a gym membership, allowing them to return to work and move forward with their lives much earlier than if the case manager had not been involved.”
“On a different claim, a case manager was instructed on a case involving a motorcyclist who suffered a fractured leg which required surgery and the insertion of metal work. The case manager was initially instructed to facilitate physiotherapy for the client this took place swiftly and saw them improve well physically. The client subsequently struggled with psychological symptoms and CBT treatment was also arranged once the NHS treatment had ceased. They were also left with significant scarring following their surgery and after a medico-legal examination with a plastic surgeon, arranged by the case manager, some scar revision was recommended, with the treatment due to take place shortly. Again, this would not be able to take place so swiftly if a case manager was not on board from the outset.”
These examples give a good indication that the involvement of a case manager is vital in a variety of cases, not just those which are catastrophic, as they can lead to swift interventions when more complex treatment is required during the development of the claim.
Without a case manager being in place in the above examples, there could have been significant delays whilst nominations were made and CVs studied. It then takes time for an immediate needs assessment (INA) to take place and for trust to be built between the you and case manager so you feel comfortable agreeing to the steps being put in place to aid your recovery. It can also take time for the defendant insurers to agree funding. Overall having a case manager helps provide a smooth transition should further, more complex treatments be required.
Help & Advice
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