What Is an Occupational Therapy Medico-Legal Report? A Complete Guide for Solicitors
- admin309041
- Nov 20
- 3 min read
Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a critical role in personal injury and medical negligence litigation, yet many legal professionals receive inconsistent or unclear rehabilitation evidence. A well-structured OT medico-legal report can be one of the most decisive documents in establishing functional ability, future care needs, accommodation requirements, vocational capability, and long-term prognosis.
This guide explains what an OT medico-legal report includes, when it is required, and how solicitors can use OT evidence effectively.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Medico-Legal Report?
An OT medico-legal report is an independent functional assessment completed by a qualified Occupational Therapist. It evaluates how an injury, illness, or disability affects a person’s ability to:
Carry out daily living tasks
Manage at home and in the community
Participate in work or education
Maintain independence and safety
Engage in meaningful activities
OT reports are widely used in personal injury, clinical negligence, catastrophic injury, and workplace injury claims.
At MLG, all reports are completed by fully qualified, CORU-registered, and medico-legally experienced Occupational Therapists.
When Is an OT Medico-Legal Report Required?
Solicitors typically request an OT assessment when:
1. The claimant has ongoing functional difficulties
Such as challenges with dressing, bathing, mobility, fatigue, coordination, or executive functioning.
2. There are concerns about home safety or independence
OT reports highlight risks and provide clear recommendations.
3. Future care, equipment, or adaptations may be needed
An OT evaluates the level, duration, and complexity of required supports.
4. Return-to-work or vocational capacity is in dispute
OTs analyse physical, cognitive, and environmental factors impacting work ability.
5. The court requires an objective measure of functional impact
OT evidence strengthens quantum and clarifies real-life consequences of injury.
What Does an OT Medico-Legal Assessment Include?
1. Comprehensive Functional Assessment
Evaluating:
Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
Household tasks (cooking, cleaning)
Mobility and transfers
Pain, fatigue, endurance
Sensory processing difficulties
Fine and gross motor skills
Cognition and executive function
Emotional and behavioural regulation
2. Home Environment Evaluation
Including safety risks, access, layout, and suitability for the claimant’s functional level.
3. Equipment & Adaptation Needs
Such as:
Grab rails
Seating supports
Adaptive cutlery
Mobility aids
Bathroom modifications
Assistive technology
4. Care / Support Needs Analysis
A breakdown of:
Hours of care needed
Level of dependency
Whether a care package is required
Short- and long-term recommendations
5. Vocational & Return-to-Work Assessment
For claimants who may return to employment or require workplace accommodations.
6. Future Needs & Prognosis
Including costs and timelines — crucial for establishing quantum.
Typical Conditions Requiring OT Evidence
Occupational therapy is commonly instructed in cases involving:
Brain injury / concussion
Spinal injuries
Amputation
Chronic pain
Paediatric developmental needs
Psychological trauma impacting daily living
How OT Evidence Supports Legal Cases
An OT medico-legal report provides value to solicitors by:
Objectively quantifying functional limitations
Demonstrating the real impact of injury
Supporting claims for care, equipment, and adaptations
Providing detailed costings for future needs
Strengthening causation and prognosis
Offering clear, court-ready evidence
This helps achieve fair, well-supported settlements for clients.
Why Instruct MLG for OT Medico-Legal Reports?
At MLG:
Reports are completed by experienced Occupational Therapists on our panel.
Assessments can be arranged nationwide, including Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
Home visits or secure video consultations are available, depending on client needs.
Reports follow consistent medico-legal formatting and are delivered within agreed timelines.
Our experts are independent, reliable, and experienced in litigation.
FAQs
What does an OT medico-legal assessment involve?
It includes evaluating daily living skills, home environment, care needs, vocational ability, and future requirements such as equipment or adaptations.
How long does an assessment take?
Most assessments take 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the claimant’s functional needs.
Are OT reports suitable for court use?
Yes. OT reports are fully medico-legal compliant, independent, and formatted for litigation.
Can assessments be done remotely?
Yes — home visits or secure video assessments can be arranged depending on client needs and the nature of the claim.
What conditions do OT medico-legal reports cover?
Orthopaedic injuries, brain injury, spinal injury, chronic pain, paediatrics, neurological conditions, and functional impairments across a wide range of diagnoses.
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