How Trivent Legal’s Medical Costs Projections assist in Birth Injury Cases?     

In high-stakes legal cases involving birth injuries, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), accurate cost projections are critical for building a strong mediation or trial strategy. This case study highlights the story of Baby Jane Doe, who suffered severe HIE due to a delayed C-section delivery. Her condition requires lifelong care, including specialized equipment, ongoing medical interventions, and skilled home support. This comprehensive Medical Cost Projection (MCP) provided the client with the financial clarity necessary to support their case for damages. 

Case Overview 

The case involved reviewing 3,817 pages of medical records for Baby Jane, who experienced severe brain injury at birth due to a delayed delivery. Key case facts included: 

• Critical Birth Injury: Baby Jane had Apgar scores of 1 and 3 at 20 minutes, indicative of severe HIE. 

• Complex Medical Needs: She now depends on a PEG tube for feeding and a tracheostomy for breathing, and she has severe immobility. 

• Legal Requirement: The client sought a comprehensive MCP, supported by expert insights, to quantify the long-term care costs for mediation purposes. 

The client also requested a physician’s opinion on Baby Jane’s life expectancy to better inform their strategy during mediation. 

Client Requirements 

• A Medical Cost Projection Detailing Baby Jane’s anticipated medical care, including immediate and long-term needs. 

• Expert assessment of her life expectancy to support claims during mediation. 

• A clear, actionable report designed for use in a legal setting. 

Our Approach 

• In-depth Record Review: Our team reviewed all 3,817 pages of medical records, identifying key milestones in Baby Jane’s medical history and current care requirements. 

• Expert Consultation: Pediatric and neurology specialists were engaged to provide insights into her condition, treatment history, and realistic life expectancy based on medical literature and experience. 

• Premium MCP: Recognizing the complexity of the case, we recommended a Premium Medical Cost Projection tailored to capture the scope of lifelong care needs. 

• Legal-Focused Reporting: We delivered a concise, attorney-ready document, highlighting key financial data and expert assessments relevant for mediation or courtroom use. 

Medical Cost Projections 

The MCP addressed all anticipated costs across Baby Jane’s lifetime, including: 

• Specialized Care: Pediatric specialists, neurology consultations, and therapy sessions. 

• Procedures and Diagnostics: Routine evaluations and emergency medical interventions. 

• Home Equipment: Wheelchair, tracheostomy maintenance, and mobility aids. 

• Skilled Home Support: In-home nursing and caregiver services to manage day-to-day care. 

• Medications: Regular prescriptions and emergency supplies. 

The total projected costs amounted to approximately $5 million, reflecting the extensive and lifelong nature of Baby Jane’s care needs. 

Attorney Benefits 

• Comprehensive Documentation: The MCP offered a clear breakdown of medical needs and associated costs, giving attorneys a robust tool for demonstrating financial damages. 

• Expert Validation: The life expectancy assessment provided a credible foundation for calculating long-term damages. 

• Tailored for Legal Strategy: The projection’s focus on actionable insights ensured its relevance in mediation and potential trial scenarios. 

Outcome 

The client appreciated the thoroughness and precision of the MCP. By quantifying Baby Jane’s care costs and pairing them with expert life expectancy insights, we empowered the attorney to present a compelling case during mediation, underscoring the significant financial burden her condition entails. 

Conclusion 

This case highlights the value of expert-driven cost projections in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. By providing a clear financial estimate tailored for legal use, we enabled the attorney to confidently advocate for Baby Jane’s lifelong needs. Accurate, attorney-focused MCPs not only strengthen legal arguments but also help ensure justice and security for those impacted by catastrophic injuries. 

If you need your case to be reviewed, please reach out to us at 610-674-6901 or email us at [email protected]