How Trivent Legal’s Medical Cost Projections (MCP) Help Defense Firms Address Overestimated Claims and Costs
In defense cases involving medical expenses, accurate cost projections are essential. This case study illustrates how Trivent Legal’s Medical Cost Projections (MCP) were used to challenge a plaintiff’s $300,000 claim following a motor vehicle accident, analyzing projected medical needs including surgeries, physical therapy, and home health assistance, with Trivent Legal’s experts providing insights that validated treatment necessity, assessed cost accuracy, and identified cost-effective alternatives, ultimately leading to a dramatic reduction in the claim and a stronger defense position in both mediation and court.
Case Overview and Background:
In this case, a 19-year-old plaintiff, Jane Doe, sought $300,000 in lifetime medical expenses following a motor vehicle accident that resulted in knee injuries. The claim included surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care. To challenge the inflated medical projections, the defense engaged Trivent Legal’s Medical Cost Projections (MCP) to provide an independent analysis of the plaintiff’s medical needs and associated costs.
Incident and Claim:
- Injury: Jane sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear and a left lateral meniscus tear in the accident, requiring surgery and ongoing treatment.
- Claim: The plaintiff sought $300,000 for lifetime medical expenses, which included surgeries, physical therapy, physician visits, psychiatric evaluations, durable medical equipment (DME), prescription medications, and home health assistance.
Client Requirement:
- Trivent Legal’s experts were tasked with validating the medical necessity of the proposed treatments, assessing the accuracy of the projected costs, and suggesting more cost-effective alternatives.
- Trivent Legal’s analysis identified discrepancies, including unnecessary treatments and inflated costs. For example, lifetime physical therapy and psychiatric evaluations were not medically justified, and some projected costs for durable medical equipment were excessive.
By providing evidence-backed insights, Trivent Legal helped the defense team challenge the inflated claims, resulting in a significant reduction in the plaintiff’s requested settlement amount.
Trivent Legal’s Approach:
Trivent Legal’s Medical Cost Projections (MCP) provided defense attorneys with a robust analysis to challenge inflated medical claims. Their experts assessed medical necessity, verified cost accuracy, and proposed affordable alternatives, such as steroid injections instead of surgery. Key findings included reducing lifetime physical therapy and psychological evaluations to 24 sessions over five years, cutting surgery costs from $155,000 to eliminate unnecessary procedures, and lowering ongoing medical expenses from $250,000 to $14,000 for defined treatments. Claims for durable medical equipment dropped from $9,000 to $402 based on actual needs. Trivent Legal’s evidence-based evaluations effectively countered exaggerated demands, enabling the defense to present a realistic view of the plaintiff’s needs while controlling costs.
Trivent Legal’s Impact:
Trivent Legal’s MCP findings were pivotal in reshaping the case:
- Cost Reduction: The plaintiff’s claim was reduced from $300,000 to $17,000, highlighting the exaggerated nature of the original medical costs.
- Stronger Negotiation: Accurate cost projections gave the defense a solid foundation for negotiating a lower settlement.
- Enhanced Credibility: The evidence-backed MCP report bolstered the defense’s position, strengthening its credibility in court and mediation.
Conclusion:
This case shows just how powerful Trivent Legal’s Medical Cost Projections (MCP) can be in helping defense teams manage exaggerated claims. With a clear, evidence-based analysis, Trivent Legal helped reduce the plaintiff’s medical expenses from $300,000 to $17,000, providing a much more accurate picture of the actual costs. This not only strengthened the defense’s position during negotiations but also helped build trust and credibility in the courtroom. For any legal team facing similar cases, integrating MCP services can make a huge difference in achieving fair and reasonable outcomes.
FAQs:
- What are Medical Cost Projections (MCP)?
At Trivent Legal, we provide a detailed forecast of future medical expenses based on a claimant’s injury and required treatments, ensuring accurate cost assessments.
- Can Trivent Legal’s MCP findings be used in court?
Yes, our MCP findings are thoroughly researched and credible, making them effective in supporting a defense argument during court proceedings.
- How do Trivent Legal MCP services benefit defense teams?
Our MCP services allow defense teams to assess and challenge inflated medical claims by offering objective, data-backed projections that strengthen their case.
- How does Trivent Legal determine the accuracy of medical cost claims?
We analyze medical records, treatment history, and current market data to create realistic and accurate cost projections for medical expenses.
- What types of cases can benefit from MCP services?
Our MCP services are valuable for personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases, particularly when future medical costs are a key factor.