Medicolegal Assessments: Information for Claimants

The purpose of a medicolegal report in an occupational therapy context is to provide a detailed assessment of your physical, cognitive, and functional abilities, as well as any limitations or restrictions caused by your injury. Our assessments and reports can help to establish the impact your injury has had on your ability to perform your daily tasks and to participate in work, leisure activities, and social engagements. Our medicolegal occupational therapists will also assess the impact of your injury on your long-term prognosis and your future medical needs.

The process of preparing a medicolegal report in an occupational therapy context involves several steps. Firstly, your MLEA occupational therapist (OT) will review your medical records, including any diagnostic tests, imaging, and treatment you have received for your injury (your solicitors will provide this information to us). Your OT will use this information to gain a better understanding of your medical history and the extent of your injury. Your OT will then conduct a thorough assessment of your functional abilities, including any physical and cognitive limitations. This may involve observing your daily activities and tasks, conducting a physical examination, and administering relevant assessment tools and measures.

Once the assessment and medical record review are complete, your OT will prepare a detailed report that outlines the findings of their assessment, as well as their opinion on the impact of your injury on your daily functioning, work capacity, and overall quality of life. The report may also include recommendations for future treatment or therapy to help you improve your functional abilities or to manage any ongoing symptoms related to your injury.

It is important to note that the medicolegal report is an objective and impartial document, which means that it is not biased towards a claimant or the defendant in the personal injury case. The report is based on the facts and evidence gathered during the assessment and medical record review, and the opinion presented is based solely on the professional judgement and expertise of the medicolegal OT. The purpose of a medicolegal evaluation is assessment-only, and involves no therapeutic intervention other than recommendations.

Having a medicolegal report prepared by a medicolegal occupational therapist can be an important part of the personal injury claims process. This report can provide an independent and objective evaluation of your functional abilities and the impact of your injury, which can be useful evidence in support of your claim.

If you are making a personal injury claim, it is important to speak to a qualified and experienced occupational therapist who specialises in medicolegal reports. If you have any questions about the process of making a personal injury claim or are wondering if you would benefit from medicolegal occupational therapist assessment, please do not hesitate to contact MLEA’s office on (07) 3339 5102.