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Chapter 29 - Medicolegal Aspects of Traumatic Brain and Cervical Spine Injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2020

By
Peter C. Whitfield  and
Peter J. Hutchinson
Edited by
Peter C. Whitfield ,
Jessie Welbourne ,
Elfyn Thomas ,
Fiona Summers ,
Maggie Whyte  and
Peter J. Hutchinson
Peter C. Whitfield
Affiliation:
Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
Jessie Welbourne
Affiliation:
University Hospitals, Plymouth
Elfyn Thomas
Affiliation:
Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
Fiona Summers
Affiliation:
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Maggie Whyte
Affiliation:
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Peter J. Hutchinson
Affiliation:
Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge
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Summary

Medical experts may be instructed by designated bodies such as the coroner or the court, to provide expert witness statements concerning patients treated under their care. Such reports are factual and are prepared on the basis of the medical records and personal recollection of events. Other authorities such as the Driving Vehicle and Licensing Agency can also seek information on patients with traumatic brain injury. In the civil court, experts may advise on matters relating to personal injury and medical negligence. Reports are usually based upon review of records, and often medical examination of the claimant. The expert may be instructed to provide reports on condition, prognosis and/or causation. This chapter discusses liaison with the various authorities that require medico-legal input relevant to head injury and whiplash.

Type
Chapter
Information
Traumatic Brain Injury
A Multidisciplinary Approach
 , pp. 377 - 388
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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