Being part of your changing life

Generally speaking, change is inevitable.

However, even if the nature of change is uncontrollable and unpredictable, there is no reason that the manner in which such change is dealt with and managed should not be controllable.

This is certainly true where the investment of an award of damages is concerned and the wider decisions that can be made in order to effectively plan for unforeseen events and circumstances in the future.

Things that might have been considered relatively certain at the time that an award of damages is received may subsequently prove otherwise over time, especially where there is a very long expectation of life, and therefore a very long investment horizon. These might be referred to as the ‘unknown knowns’.

There are also things for which it is accepted that it is simply not possible to ascertain how they may transpire over time; i.e. the ‘known unknowns’. There are even new things that just could not have been foreseen; i.e. the 'unknown unknowns'.

For example, an assessment today of what your care needs will be many years into the future will almost certainly prove to be inaccurate, because of many factors, including but not limited to:

  • an improvement or deterioration in health;
  • a change in regulations that leads to the need for more or less support;
  • an increase or decrease in input from family carers;
  • a change in Local Authority rules and regulations that leads to more or less statutory funding;
  • a change in equipment that leads to the need for capital, but a long-term reduction in expenditure; or
  • a change in the availability and/or efficacy of treatment and medication.

Whilst none of these factors can be foreseen or controlled, having the ability to respond, both proactively and reactively, will allow change to happen with the least amount of distress or upheaval.

This being the case, it is vital that we understand your ever-changing needs and ensure that any portfolio of investments put into place with personal injury monies is sufficiently flexible to deal with changes as they occur, and best meet any resultant needs as they evolve.

This can be achieved, in part, by regularly reviewing:

  • your circumstances - for example, marriage, divorce, arrival of children etc.;
  • your needs - the requirement for professional carers or nursing staff;
  • your assets - the value of your investments, as well as securing the people that help you;
  • your objectives - your attitude to investment risk and the requirement to achieve a particular return.

Changes in your circumstances, needs, assets and objective can be accommodated by reconfiguring the investment portfolio as necessary and appropriate over time.

Testimonials

It is rare that the investment of an award of damages is the sole solution to our clients lifetime needs. But the importance of investing an award of damages with a suitable degree of investment risk, in a manner that meets expectations should not be underplayed; it takes many skills, understanding, experience and a tested methodology.
My name is Amy and I am now 24. I have cerebral palsy, which I why I can’t talk or walk. This often means people don’t realise I am otherwise a normal human being.
I am Jack's Mum and Court of Protection appointed Deputy. Jack has cerebral palsy, which has a profound impact on every aspect of his daily life.