Medical Evidence is key when determining the value of any personal injury claim. It is imperative that the right medical expert is asked to report on your injuries.
Your solicitor will select the most appropriate medical expert from the relevant discipline (e.g. an orthopaedic expert to assess a fracture, or an opthalmologist to assess an eye injury). The expert should be provided with copies of all your relevant medical records and scans. They will then examine and assess you before preparing a detailed report which can then be used as medical evidence in your case. The value of your claim will be determined by the medical evidence obtained on your behalf.
It is essential that the expert that is instructed in your claim is completely independent. Therefore your treating GP or Consultant will not be able to produce a report for the purposes of your claim.A medical expert will typically be asked to comment on the following:
- Any relevant pre-existing conditions;
- - Details of injuries sustained as a result of the accident;
- Details treatment received;
- An assessment of the impact of your injuries and ongoing symptoms upon your daily living;
- Future prognosis.
In cases involving severe, multiple injuries several different experts from varying disciplines are likely to be required to advise. In other cases where there is only one injury, one expert may suffice.
