The Strickland Case: A Warning for Life Care Planners

In legal cases, especially those at the federal level, a poorly constructed life care plan can harm your chances of success. The recent Strickland v. City of Las Cruces case, decided in the District of New Mexico, shows why having a strong, detailed life care plan is crucial. For over 10 years, TD&P Consulting has been a leader in creating accurate and reliable life care plans. The Strickland case proves why our approach is the right one.

The Strickland Case: A Warning for Life Care Planners

The Strickland case exemplifies what can happen when life care planning is incorrectly done. This federal case involved the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The court rejected the life care plan made by Dr. Robert Contreras. Here’s why:

  • Poor Documentation: Dr. Contreras did not provide the specific records needed to support his estimates. Instead, he used vague references.
  • Unproven Cost Estimates: The plan included high costs for services that were unnecessary or backed by the plaintiff’s medical history.
  • Mismatch with Medical Records: Many services in the plan did not match the plaintiff’s actual medical needs, making the plan less credible.
Why TD&P’s Approach is Better

At TD&P, we understand that a life care plan must be well-documented, necessary, and follow set standards. Here’s how our approach avoids the problems seen in the Strickland case:

  • Clear Documentation: Unlike Dr. Contreras, TD&P backs every estimate with specific records and data. This makes our reports stronger and easier to defend in court.
  • Focus on Medical Necessity: We carefully check if each service in a life care plan is medically necessary and supported by the patient’s history. This ensures our valuations are realistic and fair.
  • Based on Market Standards: Our method uses recognized federal and state standards, ensuring our valuations reflect fair market value and are based on real-world data.

The Lesson from Strickland: Reliable Life Care Plans Matter

The Strickland case shows the danger of presenting a life care plan that is not specific and does not meet standards. Courts, especially at the federal level, are less likely to accept unsupported and speculative estimates. This case highlights why collaborating with experts like TD&P who can create strong, reliable life care plans is so important.

Choose TD&P for Reliable Life Care Plans

For over a decade, TD&P Consulting has provided accurate, defensible life care plans that stand up in federal and state courts. The Strickland case is a reminder of why strong standards are critical. Don’t risk your case—contact TD&P Consulting today to see how our expertise can give you the needed edge.