Form 1: Assessment of Attendant Care
If you were severely injured in a motor vehicle collision and require attendant care to help you with your daily activities as a result, you may be entitled to attendant care benefits through your automobile insurance policy.
You must submit Form 1: Assessment of Attendant Care Needs in order to recover an attendant care benefit. However, even if you qualify for such a benefit, it may not be so easy to be paid by the insurance company for the service rendered to you.
Tip 1: Understand the Available Benefits
Attendant care benefits may be available if your car accident caused you to sustain injuries that make it impossible to perform routine, daily activities. The amount of available benefits depends on the severity of your injuries.
The guidelines are as follows:
- Non-minor injuries – as much as $3,000 per month with an allowable maximum of $36,000 and a time limit of 104 weeks after the date of injury
- Catastrophic injuries – as much as $6,000 per month with an allowable maximum of $1 million – there is no time limit for benefits
Tip 2: Determine if You Qualify for Benefits
Attendant care benefits are only available to car accident survivors whose injuries prevent them from engaging in self-care activities, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Using the restroom
- Application and removal of prosthetics or use of other assistive devices
- Eating
You must enlist a registered nurse or occupational therapist to assess your needs. This professional will then detail the level of care dictated by your injuries. For example, Level One may include basic functions, such as brushing hair or preparing meals. Level Three includes more complex needs, such as performing catheterizations or administering prescribed medications.
Tip 3: Request only Appropriate Fees and Services
Your insurance provider will closely examine all fees and services outlined in your Form 1: Assessment of Attendant Care Needs. Ensure it details only those costs that are appropriate to your necessary level of care.
For instance, it should not include administration of oxygen therapy if this is not consistent with the care you have been prescribed. Such inconsistencies may result in a delay or denial of your claim for benefits.
Tip 4: Complete and Submit Forms on Time
The application for attendant care benefits is subject to strict deadlines. For instance, you must notify your insurance carrier of your accident within 7 days. Furthermore, you must submit your application for accident benefits within 30 days of receiving the forms from your insurance provider. A failure to meet these deadlines may result in your claim’s denial.
Tip 5: Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision and can no longer participate in certain routine activities, you might qualify for attendant care benefits to offset the cost of professional assistance. If you have questions about submitting Form 1 or if your claim has been denied, take advantage of a free initial consultation with our Ontario accident benefits lawyers by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.
