How to Instruct a Medico-Legal Expert
Clear Instructions Produce a Useful Report
Instructing a medico-legal expert well is the single biggest factor in producing a useful report. Clear instructions, complete records, and specific questions get a clear and useful answer. This page sets out the information needed to instruct Dr. McQuillan.
What's Included in the Report?
A complete letter of instruction allows Dr. McQuillan to address the right questions and return a focused, court-compliant report.
- Identity of the instructing solicitor and the case reference
- Identity of the client (claimant or defendant)
- Background to the case in 4 to 6 paragraphs
- The specific questions to be addressed in the report
- Confirmation of the type of report required (personal injury, negligence, fitness to work, etc.)
- Confirmation that the report is to be court-compliant
- Confirmation of the agreed fee and basis of charging
- Deadline for the report
Records to Provide
Provide all hospital and GP records covering the relevant period, imaging reports, reports of any allied health professionals, previous medico-legal reports, and witness statements where relevant. The more complete the record, the more useful the report.
Service Information
Key details regarding appointment logistics, fees, and expected delivery timelines.
- Turnaround Time
- 10–14 days
- Location
- Suite 8, Blackrock Clinic
Records to provide
- All hospital records relevant to the case
- GP records covering the relevant period
- Imaging reports and where possible the original imaging
- Reports of any allied health professionals (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology)
- Previous medico-legal reports if any
- Witness statements where relevant
- Any other documents identified in the letter of instruction
Timing and turnaround
Reports are usually produced within 10 to 14 days of the assessment, assuming all records are available. Urgent reports can be accommodated by agreement. Court attendance dates require as much notice as possible.
Fees
Fees vary by report type:
- Medical causation report: €450 plus VAT
- Disability or fitness to work assessment: €600 plus VAT
- Medical negligence work: €600 per hour plus VAT
- Court attendance: by agreement
Getting in touch
Initial enquiries can be made by phone or email through the practice office. Formal instruction follows by letter and records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 4 to 6 weeks for an appointment, plus 10 to 14 days for the report after the assessment. Urgent timelines can sometimes be accommodated.
Yes. Records can be sent by secure email or upload. Large volumes can be provided on encrypted media.
Fees are charged on the basis of work done. If the case settles, the fee reflects the time already spent on review and assessment.
Further reading
Book an Appointment with Dr. McQuillan Today
All consultations take place at Suite 8, Blackrock Clinic, Dublin.