Scranton Living Wills Lawyer
A living will is just what it sounds like—a will that gives direction for when you are still living. But unlike a simple will, a living will is used for your physician to make medical decisions when you are unable to make them yourself due to incapacitation. Living wills are also referred to as advance healthcare directives and medical directives. A living will is just one aspect of an all-encompassing estate plan that will help you and your loved ones cope in the event of a serious medical condition or accident. Our experienced Scranton living will lawyers have assisted countless of clients over the years and they are here to help you with your needs.
Why Do I Need a Living Will?
A living will helps doctors make decisions about the care they administer to you in certain situations when you are unable to communicate them yourself. This includes incapacitation due to the following, among others, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Medically induced coma;
- Serious injury;
- Unconsciousness;
- Traumatic brain injury; or
- Serious dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Having a living will is important for adults of all ages, not just those who are of advanced age, because an illness or accident can strike at anytime. It is best to be prepared for this type of tragic incident by creating a healthcare plan that will best represent what your goals would be for treatment. A living will not only gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out in the event of a serious injury, illness, or medical condition, but it also gives your loved ones comfort and guidance. In some cases where there are no medical directives in place, family members may disagree about treatment. Cases such as these can lead to family strifes and ruined relationships.
What Medical Conditions Does a Living Will Cover?
You can tailor a living will to your specific needs and desires. This means that it can be simple and only include one or two specific directives, or it can be more encompassing for a variety of potential illnesses and conditions. By working with an attorney, you are ensuring that your living will meets Pennsylvania law. One of the other benefits of a living will is that it can be revoked or altered whenever you wish. Examples of medical decisions a living will can make, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, includes the following:
- Decisions about pain medication;
- A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order;
- Administering artificial nutrition and hydration;
- Comfort care;
- Use of a ventilator; and
- End of life care.
Call a Scranton Living Wills Attorney Today to Get Started at Once
Making plans for the end of life or serious life-threatening medical conditions is never enjoyable, but that does not mean that it should be put off or ignored. You can save yourself and your family much grief and misunderstanding in the future by taking action today. To get started on a living will today, call the living wills attorneys of Haggerty Hinton & Cosgrove LLP at 570-344-9845 to schedule a free consultation.
