What is case management?

Case management following a serious injury

When someone suffers a serious injury, such as a brain or spinal injury, the impact on their life can be huge. The effects of the injury are often complex and wide-ranging, and a great deal of support is often required to aid the person’s recovery and give them the best quality of life.

Identifying all the support services required is not an easy task, especially for the injured person and their family, who will still be coming to terms with the injury. That’s why we refer many of our serious injury clients to a professional case manager who has the knowledge and experience required to get them the support they need.

What is case management?

Case management is a process which aims to help individuals, as far as possible, regain independence and improve their quality of life through the co-ordination of services, rehabilitation, and care.

Case management is about assessing the client’s needs and identifying relevant and cost-effective resources which maximise the benefits to the individual and their family. This assessment process is important, as it helps to develop an appreciation of the client’s difficulties and how these impact on their lives and those around them.

A plan for the client is completed and its implementation should deliver a bespoke care and rehabilitation package. The plan is developed in association with all parties, including any therapists who are involved in working with the client and their family. The plan is reviewed and monitored, and changes are made as necessary when required. This ensures that the injured person and their family have access to appropriate services, and that the support they receive has continuity and consistency.

The task of assessing what care is needed, planning and implementing its delivery, and coordinating any rehabilitation package is best undertaken by a case manager who will typically have a background in health or social care. The case manager will also develop a therapeutic relationship with the client and their family, and is also there to offer support and advice during what are often challenging times. Case managers help their clients make informed decisions, be heard during rehabilitation and play a role in the litigation process as their advocate if necessary. Each client is an individual with their own needs and expectations, and the role of the case manager is adaptive and flexible to meet these needs.

What type of injuries need case management?

Injuries which require case management are usually catastrophic and life-changing injuries which have a significant impact on the injured person and their family.

Personal injury cases where we may refer clients to a case manager include:

• Spinal cord injury claims, including cauda equina syndrome claims
• Brain injury claims
• Amputation claims
• Serious burn injury claims
• Birth injury claims, including cerebral palsy claims.

How do I get a case manager?

When you make a serious injury claim with Thompsons, we will always consider whether it would benefit you to be referred to a case manager.

If a case manager would be of benefit to you, we will refer you to a case manager who is qualified and experienced in the type of care you require.

Identifying the support you need is vital to your quality of life following a serious injury, and it also helps greatly during the litigation process.

By developing a comprehensive care and rehabilitation plan, your case manager can provide a detailed estimate of how much the services you need will cost. Our solicitors will use this information to fight for enough compensation to fund the short and long-term support you require.

How do I fund a case manager?

While your case is ongoing, we will apply for interim payments to help fund your recovery and rehabilitation. Upon receipt of interim payments, we will assist you with choosing a specialist case manager to implement a bespoke rehabilitation package to suit your and your family’s long-term needs.  The long-term costs of the rehabilitation package will be recovered from those responsible from your injuries.

If interim payments cannot be obtained, there are other routes to funding a case manager. Thompsons is a signatory of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers’ Serious Injury Code, which encourages specialist lawyers on both sides to collaborate on a rehabilitation plan by following the Rehabilitation Code. The Rehabilitation Code allows the appointment of a case manager and implementation of rehabilitation, even if liability for the injuries is not admitted.   

Making a claim

For more information about making a serious injury claim with Thompsons, complete our online enquiry form. Our specialist serious injury lawyers will contact you to provide free, no-obligation legal advice about your case and explain the process of making a claim. We can also talk you through the support we can provide throughout your claim and beyond.