Condition and Prognosis Reports

A condition and prognosis report describes a person’s current medical condition and gives an expected outlook for how that condition is likely to develop.

The condition section of a report explains the person’s diagnosis, symptoms, current health status, treatment, and any limitations caused by the illness or injury.

The prognosis section of a report explains the likely future course of the condition, including whether improvement, recovery, deterioration, or long-term effects are expected. It may also discuss the expected response to treatment and the likelihood of returning to normal activities.

An expert witness is a suitably qualified professional who provides an independent, evidence-based opinion about a person’s current condition and their likely future outlook.

Their role is to assist the court, tribunal, insurer, or other decision-maker, rather than to advocate for the person who instructed them. They would normally review the available records, assess the individual where appropriate, consider the relevant medical or professional evidence, and explain their conclusions in a clear and objective report.

The expert witness may give an opinion on the nature and severity of the condition, functional limitations, treatment and response to treatment, expected recovery, possible deterioration, long-term effects, and prognosis. Where necessary, they may also explain the reasoning behind their opinion and identify any uncertainties or factors that could affect the prognosis.

Importantly, an expert witness has a duty to provide an independent and impartial opinion. Their primary responsibility is to provide accurate expert evidence, even if their conclusions do not support the party who instructed them.