A brain injury (also known as a traumatic brain injury, head injury or brain damage) refers to any injury to the brain. A brain injury may be the result of trauma, such as a car accident; or from a medical condition or medical negligence that may result in infections, swelling to the brain, or a lack of oxygen.
The severity of a brain injury can vary significantly. A brain injury can be mild and have no lasting impact, cause temporary disability, cause lifelong impairment, or even be fatal.
Some brain injuries are evident from the time of injury, though with others there is a cumulative impact such as with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and seizures.
What Are OT Brain Injury Medico Legal Reports?
Brain injuries are complex and their presentation can vary significantly from one patient to another. The impact of a brain injury may result in physical disability, cognitive disability or a combination of the two. Severe brain injuries may result in the need for long term specialised care, whereas a less severe brain injury may not even be noticed by someone without expertise in this area.
Many patients who have experienced physical trauma, such as a spinal cord injury as the result of a motor vehicle accident, may also experience a degree of brain injury. However, if the brain injury is not severe it may not be recognised until sometime later as the focus of initial treatment is on the significant physical injury.
Changes in personality, mood, ability to initiate tasks, and ability to concentrate have greater significance when the brain injured person starts to re-integrate into life at home and begins to find issues with aspects of daily living that were not present prior to the head trauma.
For sufferers of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), the impact is not recognised until years, if not decades after the brain injury event(s).
An occupational therapy brain injury medico legal report is used to define the level of impairment resulting from the brain injury, and to cost any associated attendant care or equipment that may be required as a result of this loss of functional ability.
What to Expect from Our Brain Injury Medico Legal Reports
At Independent OT Medico Legal the assessments we conduct assist us to define both the physical and cognitive issues that may have resulted from a person’s brain injury, as well as the psychological and mood changes which may accompany a brain injury. Some symptoms are subtle, though have a significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life; such as poor memory or concentration; difficulty understanding written or verbal information; changes to a person’s decision making skills, development of risk taking behaviours; or the onset of headaches, fatigue and/ or seizures.
The assessment process for a brain injury is comprehensive and includes a combination of a detailed interview, assessment of physical impairments and abilities, paper-based assessments and clinical observations of both physical and cognitive abilities in order to accurately assess the level of impairment across all domains of daily life. This assessment process helps us clearly define all issues, and the impact of each limitation.
An Independent OT Medico Legal report will discuss the need for assistive equipment and the extent of any short or long-term care required to support the individual to function in their activities of daily living; including the domains of self-care, work and leisure.
Our reports will include discussion of the rehabilitation that has been offered from the time of injury to the date of the assessment, and what impact this has had on improving the injured person’s functional ability. Where there is a need for ongoing rehabilitation, or treatments to maintain the level of function or prevent further decline, this will also be included.
Why Choose Our Medico Legal Experts for Brain Injury Cases?
Independent OT Medico Legal occupational therapists have extensive clinical experience and expertise in working with people who have suffered both the cognitive and physical issues associated with brain injuries. Our occupational therapists are highly skilled at conducting detailed assessment and interview processes which are essential to understand the full impact of a brain injury. All information gathered is then critically analysed and an objective opinion provided on any care and equipment required as a result of the brain injury.
At Independent OT Medico Legal, our commitment is to examine all data and evidence to ensure we capture the full scope of the brain injury, including all associated complications, and deliver a balanced and objective report for every individual that we assess.
We use selected disability assessments combined with clinical expertise to support our opinion and have a proven track record of delivering quality medico legal reports in this field.
We have a particular interest and expertise in complex brain injury cases and have provided medico legal reports for a range of brain injuries from mild to very severe.
If a compensation claim is not settled prior, we will give expert evidence to assist the court to understand the functional impact of the brain injury so that an informed decision can be made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our brain injury medico legal reports involve a comprehensive assessment of memory, concentration, decision-making, and risk-taking behaviours. We also evaluate mood and psychological changes that may impact daily life. Through detailed interviews, clinical observations, and paper-based assessments, we assess both physical and cognitive abilities to ensure every area of impairment is identified.
Yes, if the condition changes, we can provide a supplementary report which will comment on any changes in function since the time of our previous report. This ensures that the care and equipment costs remain accurate and relevant for ongoing claims or court proceedings.
We carefully examine how a brain injury affects key areas of life, including self-care, work, and leisure activities. Our reports assess any physical, cognitive, and/or psychological limitations, such as changes in memory, concentration, and decision-making, to provide a clear picture of how the injury impacts the person’s ability to function and engage with everyday tasks.
Typically our medico legal reports are ready within 6 weeks from the date of assessment.
Yes. We offer independent second opinions if you need further assessment or validation of a previously completed brain injury report.
Contact Us for Expert Brain Injury Medico Legal Reports
Accurately assessing the impact of a head injury is crucial for fair compensation and effective recovery planning. Our experienced occupational therapists provide thorough, impartial reports to capture the full extent of cognitive, physical, and psychological effects.
Get in touch today to schedule an assessment, call for expert guidance, or email us your inquiry—we’re here to provide the support and insight you need.