Screening Reports
Preliminary independent psychiatric evaluation of clinical negligence claims to provide a preliminary opinion on issues relating to breach of duty and causation. Our experts provide structured screening reports to help solicitors manage litigation risk, with urgent options available.
Expert Type
- Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
- Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Applicable Law
- Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee [1957]
- Bolitho v City and Hackney Health Authority [1998]
- Civil Procedure Rules Part 35
- Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board [2015]
- Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
When Needed
to consider whether a potential claim for psychiatric injury has arguable prospects during the pre-action protocol phase to assess if a potential claim for psychiatric injury has sufficient legal prospects before incurring full report costs.
What Is a Screening Reports Assessment?
A screening report is a cost-effective, preliminary evaluation of medical records designed to identify potential clinical negligence within psychiatric or psychological services. This initial assessment allows legal teams to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a potential claim before commissioning a full court-compliant report.
The primary focus is to consider whether the standard of care appears to fall below that of a reasonable body of practitioners, specifically applying the Bolam test and Bolitho criteria. It also considers whether the alleged negligence is clinically associated with, or materially contributed to, the claimant’s psychiatric harm.
- Breach of duty — whether the clinical care provided met the expected standard
- Causation — assessing whether there is a clinically supportable link between the alleged breach and the injury
- Prima facie evidence — identification of documentation supporting the legal claim
- Material contribution — assessing if negligence exacerbated a pre-existing condition
- Prognosis — a preliminary view on the severity and duration of psychiatric harm
- Expertise requirement — matching the specific psychiatric sub-specialism to the case facts
Our experts meticulously review the medical records to provide an independent opinion on whether the case may warrant a formal Part 35 report. This stage is crucial for solicitors in managing litigation risk and assisting solicitors in case selection and litigation risk assessment through the court system.
This preliminary review provides solicitors with the expert opinion needed to advise clients on the viability of their case. It ensures that the forensic psychiatric analysis is focused on the core legal issues from the very beginning of the instruction.
Key Assessment Components
Our assessment evaluates the following areas:
Record Review
A structured examination of GP records and psychiatric history to identify clinical discrepancies.
Breach Analysis
Assessment of clinical decisions against the standard of care expected within the UK healthcare system.
Causation Nexus
Evaluating whether there is a clinically supported link between the alleged negligence and the resulting mental health outcome.
Damage Assessment
A preliminary evaluation of the psychological injury described in the records.
Limitation Review
Identifying potential issues regarding the limitation period for bringing a psychiatric negligence claim.
Tactical Advice
Providing guidance on the type of expert evidence that may be required for the subsequent stages of litigation.
Conditions That May Affect This Assessment
A range of psychiatric and psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:
Our experts account for the fluctuating nature of mental illness when assessing the impact of past clinical harm.
Assessment Process
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Instruction Received
Solicitor provides the letter of instruction and all available medical records for the claimant.
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Expert Matched
We match the case to a consultant psychiatrist with the relevant clinical specialism for the alleged negligence.
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Assessment Conducted
The expert performs a thorough desk-based review of the evidence to consider issues relevant to breach of duty and causation.
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Report Delivered
A concise screening report is delivered, outlining the preliminary strengths and weaknesses of the case and recommendations for next steps.
Turnaround Times
| Urgency Level | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Report | 4-6 weeks from assessment |
| Priority Report | 1-2 weeks |
| Urgent Report | 1-4 days |
What’s Included in the Report
All screening reports are prepared by specialists experienced in providing CPR Part 35 compliant evidence if the case proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Screening Reports Report?
Contact our team today for a screening report from a leading forensic expert. We provide CVs and transparent quotes within 60 minutes.
Related Clinical Negligence Services
Comprehensive reports addressing breach of duty and the link to psychiatric harm.
Detailed assessments of current psychiatric health and future recovery expectations.
Focused evaluations on whether clinical care fell below the reasonable standard.
Expert chronological analysis of complex mental health medical files.
Preliminary reviews conducted without a claimant interview for early-stage advice.
Strategic advice for solicitors on the psychiatric aspects of medical malpractice.
