If you were seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, your insurance company or treatment provider might mention a “Form .” In this blog, we will learn:
- What Form 1 – Assessment of Attendant Care Needs are
- Who needs to complete a Form 1
- What attendant care benefits in Ontario are
- How Form 1 determines your attendant care benefits
- Why Form 1 is important after a car accident
What Is a Form 1?
Form 1 is officially called the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs . It is a standardized document used in Ontario Accident Benefit claims following a car accident.
It determines whether someone after a car accident qualifies for Attendant Care Benefits and financial support to help with daily activities.
Understanding Form 1: Assessment of Attendant Care Needs can help protect your rights and ensure your care needs are properly assessed and documented after an accident.
The form must be completed by:
- an Occupational Therapist (OT), or
- a Registered Nurse (RN).
To complete the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1, the OT or RN will typically come visit you at the hospital or your home. They will conduct a detailed review of functional difficulties and report their findings in the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1, which is then provided to the insurance company for approval.
Who Needs to Complete the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1?
The Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 is used to assist those who have suffered physical or psychological injuries in a car accident including but not limited to:
- Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Herniated Discs
- Nerve Damage
- Torn Ligaments
- Muscle Tears
- Burns or Scarring
- Internal Organ Injuries
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive and Memory Impairment
What Are Attendant Care Benefits?
Attendant Care benefits are part of the Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). These benefits cover the reasonable and necessary expenses for personal care if your injuries prevent you from caring for yourself.
By completing the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1, you may be eligible for Attendant Care Benefits. This may include help with:
These services may be provided by a professional caregiver, nurse, or even a family member. As with most insurance benefits, insurer approval is needed first before the service is provided to you.
How does the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 Determines Your Benefits?
The Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 carefully breaks down the daily tasks you may need assistance with and estimates the time required for each activity.
The assessor calculates the number of hours of care needed each month and applies hourly rates set by provincial guidelines.
Under Ontario law, the maximum monthly attendant care benefit is generally:
- up to $3,000 per month for most injuries, or
- up to $6,000 per month if the injuries are considered catastrophic
Additional coverage may be available if optional benefits were purchased.
Why is Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 Important?
The Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 is often one of the most important documents in an Ontario accident benefits claim. It helps determine:
- whether attendant care benefits are approved
- how much monthly care is considered necessary
- how much the insurance company may pay for attendant care services
Because insurers sometimes dispute Form 1 assessments, it is important that the they accurately reflect your real care needs after the accident.
If a lawsuit against an at-fault driver is also being considered, or has commenced, the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 can be a helpful piece of evidence to support compensation sought in the lawsuit.
If you are dealing with injuries after a car accident, a properly completed Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Form 1 can make a significant difference in the support available for your recovery.
Book a free consultation with us now to avoid missing out on access to Attendant Care and other benefits available to you in Ontario.
