When a person sustains a work-related injury or illness, they may be entitled to compensation under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act.
As occupational therapists, we are generally not involved in establishing liability, though are requested to provide a medico legal report in order to determine the functional impact of the work-related injury or illness, and any associated care and equipment required as a result. At Independent OT Medico Legal we have been instructed by solicitors for both the plaintiff and insurer. In all cases, our focus is on providing a well justified and impartial opinion in the interest of fair compensation being awarded.
What Our Workers Compensation Reports Include
An occupational therapy medico legal report may be requested as part of legal proceedings to assist with determining the functional impact of the claimant’s injuries; that is how the injury impacts the person’s ability to engage in daily personal care, domestic, work and leisure tasks.
Injuries sustained in a workplace accident, or illness incurred as a result of the workplace environment, can be complex and may involve physical injuries, brain injuries, and psychological injuries or a combination of all three. Our expertise is in conducting comprehensive assessments to determine the full scope of the workers compensation related injury or illness on all facets of the injured person’s life.
Where it is considered likely that a permanent impairment will persist for the injured person, the cost of any care and assistive equipment is included, along with discussion regarding any past gratuitous support that may be relevant since the date of the workplace injury.
When examining the medical evidence, the injured person’s past medical history is considered in order to determine whether there were any pre-existing medical issues prior to the worker compensation claim which may also have contributed to their impairment, and to quantify how that previous impairment may have impacted the claimant’s function prior to the workplace accident.
Following our independent 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 workplace accident continue to impact the claimant.
The reports from previous independent medical examinations will also be reviewed, along with any medical records and relevant allied health or rehabilitation reports in order to determine whether any further treatment or rehabilitation services may be beneficial in reducing the functional impact of the injury(s) sustained.
How Our Assessments Help with Workers Compensation Claims
Our expertise is in conducting comprehensive assessments to determine the full scope of the workers compensation related injury or illness on all facets of the injured person’s life.
Rehabilitation to reduce the impact of an injury is usually recommended where it is assessed that this may provide a positive impact on the claimant’s level of function. However, where the medical evidence indicates that extensive rehabilitation has already been undertaken, it may be determined that further input may be of little benefit and so may not be recommended.
Return to work in any capacity is always considered in the first instance as the value of occupation is often important in terms of a person’s sense of purpose, and self esteem. However, where the severity of an injury means that a return to work is not an option, then options for other meaningful activity will be explored.
Where it is considered likely that a permanent impairment will persist for the injured person, the cost of any care and assistive equipment is included, along with discussion regarding any past gratuitous support that may be relevant since the date of the workplace injury.
Common Workplace Injuries We Assess
A report from Independent OT Medico Legal is usually requested for someone who has sustained a significant injury which may include one or more of the following:
- Amputation (also referenced in our motor vehicle accident reports)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe musculoskeletal impairments (also referenced in our motor vehicle accident reports)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Psychological conditions resulting from workplace trauma, motor vehicle accident, historical abuse
Why Choose Independent OT Medico Legal for Workers Compensation Reports?
Independent OT Medico Legal occupational therapists have extensive clinical experience and expertise in working with people who have suffered cognitive, physical and/or psychological injuries. Our therapists are highly skilled at performing detailed assessment and interview processes and with managing the complexity of any workplace related injury.
At Independent OT Medico Legal, our commitment is to examine all data and evidence to ensure we capture the full scope of the 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.
If the matter does not settle prior, Independent OT Medico Legal therapists are confident and skilled at providing expert witness testimony at trial.
Similar Services
Public Liability Medico Legal Reporting
Public Liability Medico Legal Reports focus on injuries sustained in public or recreational spaces due to unsafe conditions or negligence. Similar to workplace injuries, these reports evaluate the impact of the injury on the individual’s functional capacity, including their ability to perform personal care, household tasks, and community activities. At Independent OT Medico Legal, we take a comprehensive approach, considering the claimant’s medical history and any pre-existing conditions to provide a balanced and impartial report. Our objective is to deliver reliable insights that assist legal representatives in determining fair compensation, with recommendations for rehabilitation, assistive equipment, and ongoing care when required.
Permanent Disability Medico Legal Reporting
Permanent disabilities from workplace injuries or illnesses can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, manage personal care, and engage in daily activities. At Independent OT Medico Legal, we provide impartial assessments that detail the long-term effects of these disabilities, including the need for assistive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care. Our reports support fair compensation by evaluating previous rehabilitation efforts, identifying further treatment needs, and outlining the financial impact of the injury. We also offer expert witness testimony as requried to ensure the claimant’s condition is accurately represented in legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our medico legal reports are impartial and detailed, providing a thorough assessment of the injury’s impact. These reports can be used to support an appeal or challenge a denied claim by clearly outlining the injury’s functional impact and any subsequent ongoing care requirements.
We require all relevant medical records, including previous medical examinations, rehabilitation reports, allied health assessments, and details of any pre-existing conditions. This information ensures a comprehensive understanding of the claimant’s medical history, any pre-existing conditions and the mechanics of the subject event so that we can accurately determine the functional impact of the injuries sustained.
Reports for workers compensation claims are typically completed within 6 weeks of the assessment date.
Yes, we offer re-assessments and supplementary reports when requested to reflect any changes in the injured person’s condition. This ensures that the report remains up-to-date and accurately reflects the injury’s current impact on function.
While our preference is for in-person assessments, we do offer remote assessments where necessary. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and availability for remote assessments.
Permanent impairment is evaluated through a combination of clinical assessment, review of medical records, and any relevant rehabilitation history. If impairment is deemed permanent, our report will include recommendations for ongoing care, equipment needs, and support services
Get in Touch for Expert Workers Compensation Medico Legal Reports
Need a reliable, impartial report to support a workers compensation claim? Our experienced occupational therapists provide clear, detailed assessments tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment, call for a consultation, or email us your inquiry.