Your Medico-Legal Appointment
This information sheet aims to set out for you what that process will involve, what is expected of you and what the doctor will want to know, so as to produce a report which is of assistance to the Court.
Who will be examining me?
You will be examined by Mr Gavin Bowyer. Mr Bowyer is a consultant in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. He works at the Spire Southampton Hospital; you will be examined at the Spire Southampton Hospital. Mr Bowyer has extensive experience in injuries and trauma surgery, and prepares many medico-legal reports each year. He understands how difficult it can be to remember all that has gone on after your accident or injury, and will try to help you to put things in order, so that the Court gets a full and fair picture of the injuries you have suffered and the effects that these have had.
What will you want to know?
Your solicitors will have sent Mr Bowyer instructions, telling him what they want him to deal with in the report. Mr Bowyer will want to know about the following areas:
- What actually happened in the accident or incident – how were you injured?
- What injuries or conditions were diagnosed, and how were you treated by hospitals, doctors, physiotherapists?
- How did things progress, did things get better with treatment, were other treatments given?
- Had you had any similar injuries, conditions or related problems in the past?
- How are you now? What treatment or medication are you currently having?
- What effects did the injuries or condition have on your work, social and domestic activities, after the incident and now?
Why do you want to know about what has gone on before?
Your solicitors will almost certainly have instructed Mr Bowyer to take account of any pre-existing medical conditions. This is so that the Court can consider whether symptoms and problems might have arisen, even if the accident had not occurred.
What will the examination consist of?
Mr Bowyer will probably take longer talking to you about the events and symptoms than he does carrying out a physical examination. Doctors find out more about patients’ problems by taking a careful account of the problem than they do by physically examining you. The physical examination will involve feeling and moving the injured parts of your body, much as the doctors treating you will have done. If you would like a chaperone to be present you have only to ask one will be made available.
How long will the examination take?
The interview and physical examination will take about half an hour.
Should I take anything with me?
It is probably worth bringing any hospital/physiotherapy appointment cards, to help you to remember when you were seen and treated. Some people also find it helpful to make a little list of the problems they have had, symptoms and difficulties with activity that they have experienced as a result of the accident or incident. Your solicitor might advise you on this.
Can someone come with me?
You are welcome to bring a relative or partner with you.
Can you advise on treatment?
Mr Bowyer has to produce a report for the Court. It is not his place to provide a specialist opinion for your own GP on your condition, or to recommend specific treatments. He might, however, advise in the report that your condition might be improved by further investigation and treatment; referral for any treatment must, however, come from your GP or specialist looking after you.
What should I do if I want further advice about the appointment?
Mr Bowyer’s secretary, Alison Burgess, can offer advice on how to get to the Spire Southampton Hospital. If you have nay concerns about what you will be asked and what this all means for your claim, then your solicitor would be happy to advise you.
What should I do if I forget something?
Making a list of symptoms and problems, and treatment given, helps to avoid forgetting important issues. Do not worry if you forget a small detail, but if you do have any concerns later, then let your solicitor know as soon as possible. Your solicitor can decide if Mr Bowyer needs to be informed.
For a printable version of this guide click here (a PDF will open in a new window/tab.)
Contact: Secretary to Mr Bowyer, Spire Southampton Hospital, Chalybeate Close, Southampton, SO16 6UY
T: 0845 094 3338 E: info@gavinbowyer.co.uk