Medico-legal Assessment

Occupational Therapy Network Medico-legal Assessment assists to determine the impact of an injury on a person's life, including activities at home, work and leisure.

The assessment identifies a person's:

• Level of independence
• Pre-injury and post-injury status
• Ability to perform tasks
• Capacity to fulfil pre-injury roles
• Any requirements for care

• Observation of performance of selected activities
• Assessment of the environment (eg. home, work, school)
• Interview with the plaintiff ( and carer/s where possible)
• Available medical opinion

Reports are provided for plaintiffs and defendants in motor accident, professional negligence, public liability and work-related injury or illness claims. OT Network occupational therapists are also appointed as single experts in selected matters.

The Report

The Occupational Therapy Assessment report addresses the questions posed in the instructions and analysis of function in areas such as:

• Personal care
• Domestic duties
• Vocational ability
• Educational & training needs
• Capacity to care for others (eg. dependents, children)
• Community access ( eg. driving, transport)
• Living skills (eg. ability to manage own affairs)
• Ability to engage in leisure activities

Should opinion be requested on the report of another occupational therapist, comment and comparison of assessment findings and recommendations (eg. reasonableness, type, cost) will be provided.

Occupational Therapy Network medico-legal reports are based on sound methodology, with clear rationale and in accordance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct and principles of Evidence-Based Practice.

The Recommendations

Recommendations are aimed at maximising a person's level of functional independence. Recommendations may include:

• Intervention: Future therapy, treatment and/ or rehabilitation needs.
• Equipment: Adaptive aids or equipment including type, cost, supply, maintenance and replacement of equipment.
• Environmental Modifications: Access, accommodation requirements, home modifications and options.
• Transport: Vehicle modifications and requirements, transport funding or licensing.
• Care Requirements: Type of care (eg. domestic assistance, attendant care, nursing care) hours, cost and suppliers.

By referring to OT Network you will benefit from occupational therapists with:

• Expertise in a range of disabilities, injuries and conditions,
• Court experience,
• Professional accreditation with OT Australia