Medical Negligence occurs when a healthcare profession fails to take reasonable care or steps to prevent loss or injury to a patient. As occupational therapists we are generally not involved in establishing liability. However, we are requested to provide a medico legal report in order to determine the functional impact of the injuries sustained as a result of medical negligence, and any resultant care and equipment required.
Why Use Independent OT Medico Legal to Assist with your Medical Negligence Cases?
Our occupational therapists are well versed in providing medico legal reports at the request of either defendant or plaintiff lawyers as part of legal matters or personal injury claims.
Our expertise is in assessing the functional impact of any condition, including injuries sustained as the result of medical negligence. In many cases, the claimant may have had pre-existing conditions and may have undertaken surgery to remedy a particular medical condition. When the surgical event results in increased impairment, an Independent OT Medico Legal report can play a crucial role in determining the extent of functional change as a result of the surgery.
For example, a person with a history of lower back pain may have undergone a laminectomy which is intended to reduce the lower back pain; however, found that post-surgery their experience of back pain had increased, or they suffered with reduced lower limb function or impaired bowel and bladder function.
An occupational therapy report will assist by defining the claimant’s level of function prior to the surgery as compared with the level of function post-surgery. It will then detail any associated care and equipment that has been required as a result of the surgery. Costs associated with ongoing domestic or personal care support will also be calculate if required.
Detailed assessments are undertaken in order to quantify the extent of functional impairment that can be attributed to the alleged medical negligence. This is achieved by examining the medical evidence and other documentation provided to gather an understanding of a person’s prior level of functioning. Records of general practitioners, medical specialists, and other relevant medical records are commonly provided for review in order to provide evidence of relevant medical conditions and the claimant’s level of function prior to the subject event.
Following our own assessment of the claimant’s current level of performance, any change in functional ability will be highlighted in order to explain how the injuries sustained in the subject event continue to impact the claimant.
Types of Medical Negligence Injuries Covered in Our Reports
A medical negligence event can result in any number of physical, cognitive and/ or psychological injuries which may include one or more of the following. Note: the range of injuries we have encountered is more diverse than this list:
- brain injury
- stroke
- spinal cord injury
- chronic pain issues.
- gastrointestinal problems
- bowel and or bladder injury. Some people with these injuries may require colostomy bags or ongoing catheter use
- amputation of a limb or part of a limb.
- vision or hearing impairments
- psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our medico legal reports are typically requested by either defendant or plaintiff lawyers as part of legal matters or personal injury claims.
If additional relevant medical evidence or information becomes available after the initial report, our team will work closely with the involved parties to ensure that the report is updated to accurately reflect the claimant’s current condition and needs.
Our occupational therapists have a degree in occupational therapy and extensive clinical experience in assessing the functional impact of a wide range of injuries and conditions. They specialise in reviewing medical evidence, determining functional changes, and providing detailed recommendations for care, rehabilitation, and equipment.
The cost of our reports varies depending on the complexity of the case, including the scope of assessments, medical reviews, and care planning involved. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific needs and receive a tailored quote.
Our team is experienced in dealing with complex cases, including those involving multiple medical incidents or pre-existing conditions. We carefully review all relevant medical evidence to assess the cumulative functional impact and ensure comprehensive recommendations for care and equipment.
Contact Us for Expert Medical Negligence Medico Legal Reports
Need an expert report to support a medical negligence claim? Our experienced occupational therapists provide detailed, impartial assessments.
Reach out today to book an assessment, call for a consultation, or email us your inquiry—we’re ready to assist you in achieving fair and accurate outcomes.