Can a Medical/Legal Consultant Help in Answering Specific Medical Questions Related to Depression in Trauma Cases?
Our Answer:
We recently had a case of a 52-year-old woman who’s vehicle was broadsided in an auto crash. The client had multiple injuries including ruptured discs at C4-5 and L5-S1. The client continues to experience severe neck and back pain which limit her functioning in the activities of daily living and her ability to work. The client’s husband was the front passenger seat and was injured as well. The injuries sustained by the husband exacerbated a pre-existing cancer diagnosis and the client’s husband died approximately two months after the accident. It is documented in the medical records that the husband’s treating doctors felt the auto crash injuries more likely than not contributed to the progression of his cancer and his demise.
Approximately eight months after the auto crash the client complained of several symptoms of depression which were also limiting her ability to function. The attorney asked us to write a report giving our medical opinion regarding if the depression was accident related. Obviously the question arises if the client’s depression was due to grief after the death of her husband or related to the traumatic injuries she sustained or both situations. The question was complicated by the nature of the client and her husband’s relationship and events prior to his death.
Ultimately it was our opinion that in this specific case the client carried a diagnosis of Depression related to a Medical Condition, specifically her injuries sustained in the auto crash, and we spelled out our reasoning.
Ultimately, the settlement included the depression as a medical damage in the case supported by our report.
If you have questions about this case or would like a copy of the redacted report, please send me an email.
This situation is another example of how we can assist you with all the medical issues in your cases.
Let Us Know How We Can Help You
Medical Summary Reports for Settlement Letters
IME Observation & IME Rebuttal Reports
Reports Answering Specific Medical Questions
Standard of Care Reviews
Liaison with Treating Doctors
Help with Strategies to Promote Medical Theories
Interpretation of Meaning, or lack thereof, of Medical Reports & Records
Independent Record Reviews
Assessment of Case Validity Regarding Medical Issues
Referral to Expert Medical Witnesses
Medical Research
Facilitation of Communication with Clients, Families, Professionals and Service & Governmental Agencies
Case Coordination
Deposition & Trial Question Preparation
Table-side Deposition & Trial Assistance
As you know, we have purposefully kept our fees exceptionally low allowing you the opportunity to have us review your cases early in your representation while controlling your expenses.