Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What services do you offer?
We offer life care plans, medical record reviews, and medical expert testimony from a practicing trauma surgeon and surgical intensivist.
What is a life care plan?
A life care plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the future medical care, treatment, equipment, and support services a person will need after an injury. It includes cost projections for each item over the individual's expected lifespan as well as a medical record review and possible interview and examination with the client. Life care plans are commonly used in personal injury, workers' compensation, and medical malpractice cases to quantify future medical expenses.
What makes Dr. Griffard uniquely qualified as a certified life care planner?
Most life care planners come from nursing, allied health, or physiatry backgrounds. Dr. Griffard is a board-certified general surgeon and surgical critical care intensivist who actively treats traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and polytrauma cases in Las Vegas, NV. He holds a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) credential from the Southwest Florida Training Institute. This combination of active clinical practice and formal planning certification means his plans are grounded in real-world treatment experience and are highly defensible under cross-examination.
What is the difference between a life care plan and medical record review?
A life care plan projects future medical needs and costs over a person's lifespan after a catastrophic injury and includes a medical record review. A medical record review is a retrospective analysis of existing medical records to evaluate causation, standard of care, damages, and treatment gaps. While a life care plan looks forward, a record review looks backward.
How long does it take to complete a life care plan?
The timeline depends on case complexity, the volume of medical records, and whether an in-person examination is required. After an initial case evaluation, Dr. Griffard will provide an estimated completion date. Most plans are completed within several weeks, though expedited timelines can be accommodated for approaching trial dates.
What types of medical records does Dr. Griffard review?
Dr. Griffard reviews the full spectrum of medical documentation including emergency department charts, prehospital and ambulance records, operative and anesthesia reports, ICU progress notes, radiology reports, laboratory studies, therapy evaluations, discharge summaries, long-term care records, outpatient records, and sometimes, other life care plans.
Does Dr. Griffard provide expert witness testimony?
Yes. Dr. Griffard is available for expert witness testimony including preliminary case consultation, deposition testimony, trial testimony, and written expert reports. He is licensed in Nevada and is willing to travel for cases, with travel arrangements coordinated through retaining counsel.
What types of cases does JHG Life Care Planning accept?
JHG Life Care Planning accepts personal injury litigation, workers' compensation cases, and medical malpractice litigation. Dr. Griffard provides services to both plaintiff and defense attorneys and is available for cases in Nevada and nationwide.
Does Dr. Griffard perform Independent Medical Examinations (IME) or Defense Medical Examinations (DME)?
No, Dr. Griffard does not generally perform any examinations outside of the interview and examination he performs as part of his life care plans.
Is a confidential preliminary consultation available?
Yes. Dr. Griffard offers confidential preliminary consultations to discuss case specifics, assess the strength of potential expert opinions, and determine whether his services are a good fit for your case. Contact him by phone at 725‑377‑4502, by email at jhg@jhglcp.com, or via LinkedIn to schedule a discussion.
Can Dr. Griffard’s life care plans be updated over time?
Yes. Care needs evolve as clients age, develop complications, or access new treatments. Dr. Griffard can update his life care plans with revisions to ensure medical cost projections remain current and continue to accurately inform the court.
How much do Dr. Griffard’s services cost?
The cost of a life care plan depends on the complexity of the case, the volume of medical records, and the time required to produce it. The cost of a medical record review is determined by the amount of time required to produce it and the cost of a medical expert testimony is determined by the amount of time required to review the records and produce an opinion. Dr. Griffard provides a transparent fee structure after an initial case evaluation. Contact him by phone at 725-377-4502, by email at jhg@jhglcp.com, or via the form below or on LinkedIn to discuss your case and receive a fee estimate.
Request a Consultation
Submit a request for a case consultation for a life care plan, medical record review, or medical expert testimony. Once received, I will coordinate for an initial consultation to determine the next steps. I look forward to collaborating with you!