HOW TO EXPLAIN MEDICO LEGAL REPORTS?

 

Medico legal reports can be used by solicitors to prove injury and help calculate potential compensation amounts. Doctors are not obliged to provide an opinion in a medico legal report but must be prepared for their findings to be tested by the legal process.

Medical agencies can liaise with the expert and client to arrange a convenient time for the examination. This can save the expert and their client time and hassle.

WHAT IS A MEDICO LEGAL REPORT?

A medical professional writes a medico legal report to support a personal injury claim. This type of report is commonly requested by solicitors representing both sides of a claim. Incorrect or incomplete reports can lead to a delay in the processing of a claim, as well as breaching patient confidentiality.

It's important to note that a medico legal reports should be drafted by an independent expert, not the claimant's own GP. This is because GPs have an ethical duty to provide factual information concerning a client's injury to their solicitors or third parties without prejudice or discrimination.

Moreover, experts must have the relevant knowledge and expertise to assess injuries adequately. Therefore, they should be able to deliver an impartial prognosis and recommendations backed by appropriate research evidence. A reputable medico legal editor can ensure that your report is accurate, comprehensive and compliant with Ministry of Justice (MoJ) guidelines. This will ensure that your client receives the compensation they deserve.

WHAT IS AN EXPERT REPORT?

A doctor or other medical professional writes an expert report for legal proceedings. The aim is to present an unbiased opinion based on the evidence presented. It should also be clear and understandable, with as little application of technical terms and professional jargon as possible.

The information in a medico legal report is used to assess the injury or illness and help solicitors calculate potential compensation amounts for their clients. This is particularly important in personal injury cases, where the findings of a medico legal report can be crucial in proving causation and quantifying injuries.

GPs and other medical professionals often request Medico legal reports from their patients, insurers or their client's solicitors. However, doctors are not legally obligated to prepare them, and they should always seek professional advice before agreeing to write one. They can refuse to prepare a medico legal report if they feel it would be inappropriate, but this will not impact the claimant's case in any way.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A MEDICO LEGAL REPORT?

 
Medico legal reports are a vital element of any claim for damages resulting from injury, whether through an accident in the workplace or medical negligence. They document the injuries sustained, their impact on the injured party and their future prognosis and recovery.

The report should also include details of any treatment received to date and whether the treatment successfully addressed the injury. If further treatments or investigations are needed, the report should also recommend them.

It is important to note that a treating doctor's medico legal report may be used as evidence in court and is subject to scrutiny from the other side during cross-examination. Therefore, any comments in the report must be objective and confined to professional matters.

If a patient is unsure whether to consent to a medico legal report, it is best to discuss this with the solicitor who has requested it. The expert should only agree to prepare the report with this consent.

HOW DO I WRITE A MEDICO LEGAL REPORT?

Medico legal reports play a crucial role in litigation; as such, they must be concise and well presented. As a GP, you must be aware of your obligations when preparing such a report and ensure you don't breach patient confidentiality. Medico legal reports help establish the injuries suffered and provide a guideline for compensation amounts.

A well-written medico legal report will be able to stand independently and not be distracted by grammatical errors, missing information or inconsistencies. It's also important to remember that your report will be read by non-medical personnel, so avoiding medical jargon or abbreviations is a good idea.

CONCLUSION:

It's also recommended that you look at the Civil Justice Council's advice on writing medico legal reports, which can be found here. Using a med legal editor can save you valuable time by reviewing your reports for accuracy and consistency. This will enable you to focus more on your patients.