During a personal injury claim, you will usually attend at least one medical assessment (sometimes called a medico-legal examination) with an independent medical expert. The expert examines you, reviews your records, and writes a report that directly shapes what your claim is worth. The assessment is usually arranged and paid for by your solicitor, typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes, and is nothing to worry about — it is a routine part of the process.
Many claimants feel anxious about the medical assessment, not knowing what to expect. This guide explains the process step by step so you can prepare. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Why you need a medical assessment
An independent medical expert report is the cornerstone of your claim's valuation. It provides:
- An independent diagnosis of your injury
- An assessment of severity and prognosis (how long recovery will take, whether effects are permanent)
- An opinion on causation (whether the injury was caused by the accident)
- Context for the court and the defendant's insurer to assess general damages using the Judicial College Guidelines
Without a medical report, the defendant's insurer has no reliable basis to value your claim, and the court cannot assess general damages.
Who arranges it?
Your solicitor selects an appropriate expert — typically a consultant in the relevant medical specialty (orthopaedic surgeon for bone and joint injuries, neurologist for head injuries, psychiatrist for PTSD, and so on). In many fast-track claims, the expert is a single joint expert agreed by both sides under CPR Part 35. In complex or high-value multi-track claims, each side may instruct separate experts.
The cost is treated as a disbursement — your solicitor pays it and recovers it from the defendant if your claim succeeds.
What happens during the examination
| Stage | What the expert does | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Records review | Reads your GP notes, hospital records and any prior expert reports | Ensure your solicitor has sent all relevant records in advance |
| 2. History taking | Asks about the accident, your symptoms since, treatment received, and impact on daily life | Be honest, thorough and specific — mention all symptoms, including resolved ones |
| 3. Physical / psychological examination | Examines the relevant body part or assesses your mental state | Follow instructions; tell the expert if anything is painful |
| 4. Questions | May ask about your work, hobbies, care needs | Answer honestly — do not exaggerate or minimise |
The appointment typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes for straightforward injuries, longer for complex or multi-injury cases. You can bring someone with you for support.
How to prepare
- Write a symptom summary — list all symptoms (past and present), when they started, and how they have changed
- Note the impact on your life — work, sleep, hobbies, daily activities, relationships
- Bring a list of all treatment — GP visits, physiotherapy, medication, hospital appointments
- Be honest — exaggeration can undermine your entire claim if detected; minimising can undervalue it
- Wear appropriate clothing — the expert may need to examine the injured area
- Arrive on time — missed appointments may need to be rebooked, causing delay
The expert's report
After the examination, the expert writes a detailed medico-legal report covering diagnosis, causation, prognosis and (in some cases) future treatment recommendations. The report is addressed to the court and the expert owes a duty to the court, not to the party who instructed them. The report typically takes four to eight weeks to arrive. Your solicitor reviews it and shares it with you before it is disclosed to the other side.
What if you disagree with the report?
If you believe the report contains factual errors (for example, wrong details about the accident, missing symptoms) or does not reflect your condition accurately:
- Tell your solicitor immediately
- Your solicitor can raise written questions with the expert under CPR Part 35.6
- The expert may issue an addendum correcting errors or clarifying points
- In rare cases, a second expert may be instructed, but the court's permission is usually needed
✓ The expert is independent, not your advocate
A medico-legal expert's duty is to the court, not to you or your solicitor. Their report should be objective. This can feel frustrating if the prognosis is less favourable than you hoped, but an honest, thorough report is more credible and ultimately benefits your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a medical assessment for my claim?
A medical expert report is essential because it provides independent evidence of your injury, its severity, its prognosis and its impact on your life. The report directly shapes the value of your claim. Without it, the defendant's insurer has no basis to assess your general damages and is unlikely to make a fair offer.
Who arranges the medical assessment?
Your solicitor arranges the appointment with an appropriate medical expert. In many cases, the expert is jointly agreed with the defendant's solicitor (a single joint expert). In more complex claims, each side may instruct their own expert. The cost is usually paid by your solicitor as a disbursement and recovered from the other side if you win.
What happens during the examination?
The expert reviews your medical records, asks about the accident and your symptoms, and carries out a physical or psychological examination relevant to your injury. The appointment typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes, though complex cases can take longer. The expert then writes a detailed report.
How should I prepare for the assessment?
Be honest and thorough. Bring a list of all your symptoms (including ones that have resolved), a note of how the injury has affected your daily life and work, details of all treatment you have received, and any relevant medical records your solicitor has not already sent. Do not exaggerate or minimise your symptoms.
Can I challenge the expert's report?
Yes. If you believe the report contains factual errors or does not accurately reflect your condition, tell your solicitor. They can raise questions with the expert, who may amend the report. If the report is from a single joint expert, the court's permission may be needed to instruct a second expert, which is only granted in limited circumstances.
How long does it take to get the medical report?
The expert typically produces the report within four to eight weeks of the examination, though it can be quicker for straightforward cases. Delays often arise if the expert needs to request additional GP or hospital records. Your solicitor will chase the report if it is overdue.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance
- GOV.UK — courts and tribunal guidance
Related guides: medical evidence for claims, the claim process, how long a claim takes, how much compensation, and how compensation works.