Our Approach

We are conscious that instructing firms often require a fast and efficient service for their clients, and we aim to provide a service which meets these needs. Appointments can normally be arranged within 2 weeks if urgent and within 1 month routinely. Reports are normally provided within two weeks of the assessment.  We aim to keep costs to a minimum without sacrificing quality. We also offer a 6-month deferment of fees. A fee estimate is always provided with our terms and conditions, provided after receiving instructions or before if required. We are also happy to have an informal discussion about a case before instructions are given.

Direct instructions are welcome, but we are registered with and accept referrals through Medico-Legal reporting agencies, including Premex, Doctors Chambers, MAPS and Speed. 

Assessments are conducted in a relaxed, quiet setting, and much attention is devoted to enabling clients to recall experiences and events in a way that minimises anxiety or upset. Clients are consulted about who they would like to be present if they are 16 and older. Assessments are only undertaken, and Dr Thorley and not junior staff analyse the information.

Other expert reports are helpful, and GP and hospital records are generally required unless we are instructed that they are unnecessary. In certain cases, educational records are also helpful.

Once instructions are received, we contact the client by phone to arrange a mutually convenient appointment and then confirm this in writing to the client and the instructing firm. If necessary, The client can change the appointment time and date by contacting the clinic. Home visits can also be arranged anywhere in the UK or abroad. For further details of our clinic arrangements, see the Clinics and Contacts section.

General Medico-Legal assessments.

These usually take 1½ hours and involve a semi-structured interview and the administration of standardised questionnaires where appropriate.  The assessments typically involve a parent, parents or carers being present for part of the interview. They may involve the young person only for those over 16.

Low-Value RTA Claims

We are happy to accept low-value casework using the RTA3 form and to work within the recommended rates for experts.

Neuropsychological Assessments

Young people up to and including the age of 16 years requiring assessment for brain damage generally require 3-4 hours of evaluation, including a semi-structured interview and standardized cognitive and neuropsychological functioning tests. Two separate appointments are usually preferable unless clients prefer a single assessment session. Usually, clients are assessed on their own to avoid distraction and influence, however unintentional, from others.

Limited Screening Reports

Instructions for these pre-litigation scoping reports are welcome and the work involved will be variable. We are happy to provide an estimate of likley costs over the telephone if required..