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The role of medical experts in injury claims

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 15, 2025

Medical evidence is one of the cornerstones of a personal injury claim. An independent medical expert helps establish the link between your accident and your injuries, assesses the severity of your condition, and provides a prognosis for recovery. Courts and insurers rely heavily on these reports when deciding compensation.

Why medical experts are important

To succeed in a claim, you must prove that your accident caused your injuries. A medical expert’s report offers objective evidence that:

• your condition was caused or worsened by the accident
• the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you experience is genuine
• your injuries have financial and practical consequences, such as inability to work

What medical experts do

Independent experts review your medical history, carry out a physical examination, and may ask detailed questions about your symptoms and how they affect daily life. They then prepare a structured report which includes:

• a diagnosis of your condition
• an opinion on causation (link between the accident and injury)
• a prognosis for recovery or permanent impact
• recommendations for treatment or rehabilitation

Who chooses the medical expert?

Your solicitor will arrange the appointment with a doctor or specialist registered with the General Medical Council. The chosen expert will usually have relevant expertise in your type of injury, such as an orthopaedic consultant for fractures or a neurologist for head injuries.

It is important that the expert is independent. You cannot choose your own GP or regular treating doctor, as their impartiality might be questioned by the insurer or court.

How reports affect compensation

The court and insurers use medical reports to determine general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. For example, the Judicial College Guidelines set compensation ranges depending on severity, and your medical report helps place your injury within that range.

The report can also support special damages by confirming ongoing care needs, treatment costs, or future inability to work.

Real-world example

A scaffolder falls and fractures his ankle. An orthopaedic expert confirms long-term stiffness and reduced mobility, recommending future surgery. The insurer initially offered a low settlement, but the medical report supported a much higher award reflecting the likelihood of future complications and lost earnings.

Multiple experts

In complex cases, more than one medical expert may be instructed. For example, someone with both physical and psychological injuries may be assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon and a psychologist.

What happens if reports disagree?

Sometimes experts disagree on diagnosis or prognosis. If this happens, your solicitor may obtain a further opinion. If the case goes to court, the judge will consider all evidence and decide which report to rely on.

Key takeaway

Medical experts play a vital role in ensuring your injury claim is supported by strong, objective evidence. Their independent reports directly influence the amount of compensation you receive, so attending your appointment and being open about your symptoms is essential.

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About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

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Read more: Work accident claim guide