Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
V. CURRENT STATUS
(Please note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the proceedings.)
Mr. Smith was recently assessed by Alex Barchuk, M.D., a Board Certified Physiatrist specializing in the long-term care of patients with serious spinal cord injuries. Dr. Barchuk is currently the Director of Trauma Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury & Wound Clinic at Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital in Kentfield, California.
Dr. Barchuk’s report states in part:
“DISCUSSION:
The patient is a 65-year-old divorced white gentleman, C5 ASIA Class C/D quadriplegic secondary to a cervical epidural abscess at C5 through C7, status post a decompression.
As a result of his quadriplegia he now has multiple medical issues including a neurogenic bowel, neurogenic bladder as well as weakness in his upper extremities, left greater than right decreased range of motion in his left shoulder and left hand, weakness in his trunk as well as lower extremities as well as sensory loss.
In view of his multiple medical issues he will require continuous medical follow up as well as therapeutic follow up provided by physical as well as occupational therapy to maintain his current functional status.
The physicians that his current neurological and functional deficits are permanent. The patient will require significant attendant care as well as help in his daily activities of daily living, self care, grooming and hygiene as well as mobility.
He is at high risk for falling. He is at high risk for developing cardiac disease secondary to immobility. He is at high risk of continuing to develop recurrent bladder infections. He is at high risk for increasing obesity.
For details of current medical recommendations as well as future medical recommendations, please see the Life Care Plan worksheet provided.”
VI. LIFE CARE PLAN
Carol Hyland, a Rehabilitation Consultant, recently evaluated Mr. Smith. Ms. Hyland has prepared a report concerning Mr. Smith’s costs of disability-related care based on the findings of Dr. Barchuk. Ms. Hyland’s report is referenced herein. (See Part 10 of 23.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.