A medical assessment is often an important part of a personal injury claim. It helps provide independent medical evidence about your injuries, symptoms, treatment, recovery and prognosis.

The medical report can help show how the accident affected you and may be used when assessing the value of your claim.

P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors advise clients in Belfast, Dungannon and throughout Northern Ireland on personal injury claims. We can explain what to expect at a medical assessment and how the report may affect your case.

What Is a Medical Assessment in a Personal Injury Claim?

A medical assessment is an appointment with a medical expert who considers your injuries and prepares a report.

The expert may ask about:

• how the accident happened;

• the injuries you suffered;

• your symptoms;

• medical treatment received;

• medication taken;

• time off work;

• how the injury affects daily life;

• whether symptoms are ongoing;

• your recovery so far.

The assessment helps create medical evidence for the claim.

Why Is Medical Evidence Needed?

Medical evidence is needed to support the injury part of a personal injury claim.

It can help show:

• what injuries were caused by the accident;

• how serious the injuries were;

• what treatment was needed;

• how long recovery may take;

• whether symptoms are likely to continue;

• whether future treatment may be needed;

• how the injury affects work, hobbies and daily life.

Without medical evidence, it can be difficult to properly value a personal injury claim.

Who Carries Out the Medical Assessment?

A medical assessment is usually carried out by an independent medical expert.

The type of expert will depend on the injury. For example, the report may be prepared by:

• a GP;

• an orthopaedic consultant;

• a neurologist;

• a psychiatrist or psychologist;

• a pain specialist;

• another relevant medical expert.

The expert’s role is to give an independent opinion on the injuries and recovery.

What Should I Bring to a Medical Assessment?

You should attend the assessment prepared to explain your injuries clearly.

It may be useful to bring or be ready to discuss:

• details of the accident;

• symptoms since the accident;

• treatment received;

• medication taken;

• hospital or GP visits;

• time off work;

• any ongoing pain or restriction;

• how the injury affects daily activities;

• any previous relevant injuries or medical conditions.

You should answer questions honestly and clearly. The report should reflect your actual symptoms and recovery.

What Questions Will the Medical Expert Ask?

The medical expert may ask questions about the accident, your injuries and how you have recovered.

Questions may cover:

• where you felt pain after the accident;

• whether symptoms appeared immediately or later;

• whether you attended hospital or your GP;

• what treatment you received;

• whether you needed physiotherapy or other treatment;

• whether you missed work;

• whether symptoms affect sleep, mobility or daily tasks;

• whether you had similar symptoms before the accident.

The expert may also carry out a physical examination depending on the type of injury.

Will I Be Examined at the Appointment?

In many cases, the expert may carry out a physical examination. This will depend on the injury and the type of report required.

For example, the expert may check:

• movement;

• pain levels;

• stiffness;

• strength;

• mobility;

• visible scarring;

• tenderness;

• functional restrictions.

For psychological injury claims, the assessment may focus more on symptoms, emotional impact, treatment and prognosis.

What Happens After the Medical Assessment?

After the appointment, the medical expert prepares a report.

The report may cover:

• the accident history;

• injuries suffered;

• treatment received;

• symptoms reported;

• examination findings;

• recovery period;

• prognosis;

• whether further treatment may be needed;

• whether any symptoms are likely to continue.

Your solicitor will review the report and explain how it may affect your claim.

Can the Medical Report Affect Compensation?

Yes. The medical report is important when valuing a personal injury claim.

Compensation may be affected by:

• the type of injury;

• how serious the injury is;

• the recovery period;

• ongoing symptoms;

• future treatment needs;

• impact on work;

• impact on daily life;

• long-term prognosis.

The report helps assess pain, suffering and loss of amenity, as well as any related financial losses.

Should I Settle Before the Medical Evidence Is Complete?

You should be cautious about settling a personal injury claim before the medical evidence is clear.

If you settle too early, the settlement may not properly reflect:

• ongoing symptoms;

• future treatment needs;

• delayed recovery;

• long-term effects;

• financial losses that are not yet clear.

A solicitor can advise when the medical evidence is sufficient to consider settlement.

How Does a Medical Assessment Affect the Claims Process?

A medical assessment can affect both the value and timescale of a personal injury claim.

The claim may progress more smoothly once medical evidence is available. However, if symptoms are ongoing or further reports are needed, the claim may take longer.

For more information, see our guide: How Long Do Personal Injury Claims Take?

What Evidence Should I Keep Before a Medical Assessment?

It can be helpful to keep records before your assessment.

Useful evidence may include:

• medical appointment details;

• prescriptions;

• physiotherapy records;

• photographs of injuries;

• receipts for treatment or travel;

• wage records if you missed work;

• notes about symptoms and recovery;

• details of how the injury affects daily life.

For more information, see our guide on what evidence you need for a personal injury claim.

Speak to Our Personal Injury Solicitors

If you have been asked to attend a medical assessment for a personal injury claim, our solicitors can explain what to expect and how the report may be used.

For more general information, see our Personal Injury Solicitors page.

We can also advise if responsibility for the accident is disputed or if you are unsure whether you can claim because the accident may have been partly your fault.