Before Your Appointment
Why do I need a medical examination?
As part of your claim with a solicitor, you are required to undergo a medical assessment by a medical expert. This expert will provide a detailed report of the injury or injuries that you have sustained from your accident, or as a result of clinical negligence. They will also provide an opinion on how long it will take you, or has taken you, to recover. The final report will be passed onto your solicitor as they cannot pursue your claim without it.
How long do I have to wait for an appointment?
It can take up to three weeks for us to locate a suitable medical expert from our vast database and schedule an appointment with them.
Will my claim be affected by the wait?
No, the objective of the medical examination is to assess your recovery. If you are examined immediately or shortly after your accident, it may be difficult for a medical professional to assess the full extent of your injuries. Once your full recovery has begun, the expert will be able to determine the long term impact of your injuries.
Do I need to confirm my appointment and what if I cannot attend?
Please confirm your attendance at the appointment as soon as possible with either ourselves or the medical expert. If you cannot attend, please inform us as soon as possible.
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
Please make sure you arrive at the appointment prepared by making a note of all the dates relevant to your case as well as any medication you’re currently taking.
When You Attend Your Appointment
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
You should try to arrive about 10 minutes before your appointment is scheduled. Make sure you plan ahead and know the route, how to access the venue and where to park, and also plan for traffic. If you require assistance or directions, please contact us or the venue ahead of time. If you are late for the appointment, then the expert may be unable to see you and may have to reschedule.
Can I bring a friend or relative in with me?
Most of our medical experts understand that you may need moral support during your appointment, and will allow a friend or relative to attend the examination with you. If you are attending the appointment alone but would like a chaperone to accompany you for the examination, please inform the expert. You should also let the expert know if you will be attending the appointment alone.
Am I able to claim for lost wages of travel expenses?
If you have any questions about lost wages of travel expenses, make sure you discuss them with your solicitor prior to the appointment.
During Your Appointment
How long will my examination appointment last?
The duration of your examination appointment will depend entirely on the nature of the injuries you sustained and the type of medical expert you are seeing.
What will happen during my appointment?
At the start of your examination appointment, the medical expert will ask you for photographic identification, for example, a passport or driving licence. The medical expert will also ask a series of questions, such as:
- How did the accident occur?
- How did your injuries or symptoms develop?
- What are the dates and details of any medical treatment you received?
- How did your recovery progress?
- Has your home life or work life been affected by your injuries or symptoms?
- Have you required any further help or medical treatment because of your injuries or symptoms?
The medical expert may also need to conduct a physical examination if it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
After Your Appointment
When will I receive the report?
It can take up to 3 weeks for the medical expert to formally compile the report and send it to the solicitor handling your claim.
What happens next?
Once the solicitor handling your case has received your report from the medical expert, they will contact you to discuss the contents and your claim with you further.
How long does it take to settle cases?
On average it can take between 6 and 12 months to settle a case, although more serious injuries may take longer. If liability has been admitted then case duration can often be reduced to between 3 and 5 months.
Anything Else?
How do you choose the medical expert?
Ontime Group has a vast database of medical experts across the country. Based on your injuries or symptoms we nominate three of these experts to the solicitor handling your case. Your solicitor will then select one expert and speak directly with us to arrange an appointment for you to attend for your medical examination.
Why does the medical expert need all of my medical records?
All of your past medical records are sent to the medical expert examining you so that they are fully aware of any pre-existing conditions you may have. By having a well-rounded knowledge of your health, this allows them to establish an informed opinion on your prognosis.
