In the legal profession, whilst there are several ways that a solicitor can arrange the services of an expert Occupational Therapist for the purpose of a medico-legal assessment, reliability and familiarity often play significant roles in selecting service providers. Many solicitors tend to employ the same company they have used for years, trusting in their established rapport and processes. There are, however, compelling reasons why solicitors should consider exploring new avenues for occupational therapy (OT) medico-legal assessments for their personal injury matters.
Here are five reasons to consider trying a new OT firm for these vital services:
1. Innovative Perspective and Fresh Approach
By using innovative approaches and frameworks in which to evaluate the impact of an injury on an individual’s functional capacity, a newer OT medico-legal firm will often capture details that would be overlooked by companies using more traditional methods. A fresh perspective, and utilisation of methodologies that incorporate evidence-based practice and latest research in both legal and occupational therapy fields, will often result in more insightful and comprehensive assessments and reports.
2. Improved Reporting Standards
Occupational therapy reports in a medico-legal context need to be detailed, clear, comprehensive, and objective. A new OT firm may have superior reporting standards, with greater clarity, thoroughness, and capacity to articulate assumptions, findings and clinical reasoning in a manner that is legally sound. This can make a significant difference between arguments that are strong and persuasive in court, or weak and unconvincing.
3. Personalised Service and Flexibility
A new OT medico-legal company is likely to be more adaptable and offer flexible service options, acknowledging that every matter is unique. It is important to offer solicitors flexibility and a tailored service, to accommodate their client’s diverse needs and experiences. This approach will result in more detailed assessments, clear communication, a more collaborative and satisfying experience for the solicitor, and better outcomes for the claimant.
4. Specialised Expertise
By utilising a new OT firm that specialises solely in medico-legal assessment and reporting, law firms will be provided access to a team with specialised experience and up-to-date knowledge in the field of occupational therapy and personal injury law. Furthermore, a current service provider may lack specialised expertise in certain injury types and practice areas. By using a new firm that specialises in niche areas relevant to a client’s specific matter, such as dust diseases, paediatrics, or traumatic brain injury, solicitors and claimants will benefit from comprehensive assessments and reports that thoroughly detail the individual’s current functional status, and ensure recommendations align with an individual’s specific needs and challenges associated with their condition.
5. Building Relationships for the Future
A new firm trying to establish themselves as a provider of expert occupational therapy assessments and reports are likely to go above and beyond to build a solid reputation within a medico-legal context. Utilising the services of a new OT medico-legal firm presents as an opportunity for solicitors to establish new connections and build strong professional relationships, with the trust and reliability built over time. By establishing connections with multiple service providers, a solicitor’s network can be diversified and potential avenues for collaboration on future cases can be created.
Whilst familiarity is often convenient and comforting, by evaluating the potential benefits of utilising a new occupational therapy medico-legal firm, legal professionals can ensure they are making the best decision for their client and their specific legal matter. By embracing change and choosing to work with a new service provider, solicitors can ensure high standards of client care, both now and into the future, which may ultimately lead to more successful outcomes for claimants.
