Independent medico-legal interpretation of infectious diseases evidence, including specialist review of infection results, transmission evidence and the probability and likely source of infection.
Our medico-legal service is specifically designed for solicitors, insurers and other legal professionals who require specialist interpretation of medical and infectious diseases evidence.
Medico-legal cases may involve complex questions about the diagnosis, timing, source or transmission of an infection. Our role is to review the available evidence and provide an independent medical opinion relevant to the specific question being considered.
The review may include:
Medical records
Microbiology and laboratory results
Serology and molecular test results
Imaging
Treatment records
Previous medical opinions
Exposure history
Epidemiological information
Relevant clinical correspondence
Published scientific and medical evidence where appropriate
Following review of the available evidence, we can provide an independent specialist opinion on the interpretation of infection results and the probability and likely cause or source of an infection.
Depending on the case, this may include consideration of:
Whether the evidence supports a particular infection
Interpretation of positive, negative or inconclusive infection results
The likely timing of infection
The likely source or route of infection
The probability of transmission
The relationship between a particular exposure and subsequent infection
Whether a particular source or exposure is more or less likely
Alternative possible explanations
The clinical significance of microbiology and laboratory findings
My experience includes providing expert advice through the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) in England, including assessment of the probability of transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, particularly in cases involving people with haemophilia who had received blood transfusions and blood products.
The service can also provide an independent review of complex Infectious Diseases cases where a second specialist opinion is required.
Each case is considered independently and objectively. Opinions are based on the available medical and scientific evidence and, where appropriate, expressed in terms of medical probability.
The service provides medical and scientific expert opinion; it does not provide a legal opinion or determine legal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The service is intended for solicitors, insurers, legal professionals and other appropriately authorised organisations requiring specialist Infectious Diseases or Medical Microbiology expertise.
-
It generally involves reviewing the available medical records, infection results, microbiology, laboratory investigations, treatment history, exposure information and other relevant evidence before providing an independent medical opinion.
-
Yes. The service can provide specialist interpretation of microbiology, serology, molecular testing and other relevant infectious diseases investigations in the context of the specific case.
-
Where the available evidence permits, an opinion can be provided on the probability and likely source or cause of an infection.
-
Where sufficient evidence is available, the opinion may address the probability that an infection was acquired through a particular exposure or route of transmission.
-
Yes, where the case falls within the scope of the available evidence and professional expertise. This includes experience involving HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and exposure to blood and blood products.
-
Not necessarily. Many medico-legal opinions are based primarily on retrospective review of medical records and other available evidence. Whether an examination is required depends on the nature of the case.
-
Yes. Where appropriate, previous opinions can be reviewed alongside the underlying medical evidence.
-
Yes. Complex cases can be independently reviewed where an additional specialist opinion is required.
-
The opinion is based on the available clinical, laboratory, microbiological, epidemiological and scientific evidence. Alternative explanations are considered where relevant, and conclusions may be expressed in terms of medical probability.
-
No. The service provides an independent medical and scientific opinion. Questions of legal liability are matters for the legal process and the relevant decision-maker.
-
The service is primarily intended for solicitors, insurers and legal professionals. Individuals seeking a clinical second opinion should use the Case Review & Second Opinion service.