Assistive Technology and it’s benefits – How assistive technology can help patients with serious and catastrophic injuries.

Assistive technology refers to devices, systems, or software designed to help individuals with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assisted technology covers a wide range of areas from powered wheelchairs and environmental control systems to speech-generating devices and brain-computer interfaces.

A serious or catastrophic injury may arise in a number of ways but it could be the result of an accident or medical negligence. Needless to say, injuries such as severe brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, or multiple limb loss dramatically alter the course of a person’s life. These injuries often lead to long-term or permanent disability, affecting not just the injured individual, but also their families, carers, and communities. Assisted technology can play an essential role in rehabilitation and provide tools for day to day living to enhance independence, communication, and quality of life.  Assistive technology is often tailored to the specific impairments the individual faces—for example mobility, communication, cognition, or environmental access.

Key Benefits for Seriously and Catastrophically Injured Patients

1. Enhanced Mobility and Independence

There are a number of examples of devices providing patients with more mobility. Devices such as power wheelchairs with advanced controls (e.g., head or chin systems) and adaptive driving systems can restore a sense of autonomy. This area is constantly evolving and new devices are emerging such as robotic exoskeletons which may give some patients the ability to stand or walk with assistance.

2. Improved Communication

There are also a number of devices that can assist patients with communication, this could be extremely beneficial for patients with brain injury or spinal injury survivors who may be non-verbal but cognitively aware.   Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices allow individuals with speech impairments to communicate using text-to-speech software, eye-tracking keyboards, or custom apps. Speech-generating devices or communication apps help patients with brain injuries or speech impairments to express themselves. Eye-tracking systems enable communication for individuals with limited physical movement.

3. Improved Daily Functioning and Environmental Control

Devices such as smart home systems, integrated with voice-activated or switch-based controls, can allow users to manage lighting, heating, doors, and entertainment systems independently. These tools have the potential to empower users to regain control over their immediate environment. Environmental control systems allow users to control lights, thermostats, TVs, and other devices using voice commands or touchscreens. Adaptive utensils and dressing aids may be able to assist with eating and grooming, promoting self-care.

4. Access to Cognitive Support, Education and Employment

For some patients assistive software (e.g., speech-to-text, screen readers) can assist them in being able to continue education or work. Examples of this would be Memory aids, such as digital planners or wearable tech which may be able to support individuals with traumatic brain injuries in managing tasks and appointments. Software tools can help with concentration, reading, and writing through text-to-speech or voice recognition.

5. Psychological and Social Support

For patients with serious or cataphoric injuries regaining a sense of independence and communication often has a profound effect on mental health. Technology can reduce isolation, allowing users to stay connected with friends, family, and support networks. For some patients greater social interaction and emotional wellbeing can be achieved through access to communication tools and online platforms.

Examples of Assistive Technology

Relevance in Personal Injury Claims

In personal injury and catastrophic injury litigation, assistive technology can play a crucial role in both rehabilitation planning and the assessment of compensation. The following should be considered:

1. Cost of Future Assistive Technology: When preparing a claim, it’s vital to ensure that the costs of current and future assistive technology are considered. This might cover initial acquisition, ongoing maintenance, training, and future upgrades of devices e.g., future software or hardware upgrades.

2. Expert Evidence: Occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists and experts in assistive technology often assess with guidance on what technology is appropriate. We work closely with these professionals to ensure that assistive technology needs are clearly outlined in claims where necessary.

3. Challenges and Considerations: While the benefits of assistive technology are clear, there are practical and financial barriers. When considering future needs and assistive technology the levels of customisation and training required for optimal use need to be considered. Ongoing support and replacement costs also need to be factored into any settlement or care plan.

Our legal team ensures that our clients future needs are fully considered when advocating for them. We want to ensure that clients have access to the most appropriate and effective assistive tools to make their lives easier in the years to come and this is taken into consideration during the litigation process.

Contact us at Cantillons Solicitors at +353 (0)21 4275673 or info@cantillons.com  if you would like more information.

* In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.  Many Personal Injury Solicitors portray themselves as “no win no fee Solicitors Cork”. This term can be misleading, and it is essential that you discuss fees with the Personal Injury Solicitor you ultimately choose. At Cantillons Solicitors, we are entirely transparent.