Frequently Asked Questions: Personal Injury Medicolegal Assessments

A Guide for Solicitors — Clarity Occupational Therapy, Perth WA

Q: What kind of matters do you accept?
A: Clarity Occupational Therapy accepts both plaintiff and defendant referrals across the following claim types:

• Motor vehicle accident (CTP) claims

• Workers' compensation claims

• Public liability claims

• Medical negligence claims

• NDIS matters

• Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance claims

• Injuries such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and complex neurological or musculoskeletal presentations

Q: What do you assess for a personal injury matter?
A: A standard medico-legal assessment typically includes:

1. A structured interview covering the client's pre-injury roles and responsibilities, the injury history and treatment, and the functional impact of the injury on their daily life

2. Clinical observations of the individual in their environment, such as transfers

3. Administration of standardised assessment tools appropriate to the injury

4. Review of relevant medical and rehabilitation records provided by the instructing solicitor
   The face-to-face assessment typically takes two to three hours.

Q: Are assessments conducted in person or via telehealth?
A: Medicolegal assessments are conducted in person in claimant’s home.
Telehealth may be considered in specific circumstances and by arrangement with the instructing solicitor.

Q: How far in advance should I contact you?
A: Early instruction is recommended.
Allow around four weeks from date of assessment to report delivery. For urgent matters, contact us directly to discuss availability.

Q: What records should I provide?
A: To enable the most complete and reliable opinion, solicitors should provide relevant records.
These may include hospital discharge summaries, treating therapist and allied health notes, specialist medical reports, GP clinical notes (relevant period) and any prior independent assessments. Incomplete documentation may limit the scope of the expert's opinion and should be identified in the letter of instruction.

Q: What are your fees?
A: Fee schedules are provided on confirmation of an assessment date.
Our usual practice is to invoice on completion of the report. Fees are not contingent on the outcome of the proceedings and reflect the time required to provide a comprehensive expert report.