Medico-Legal
What are medico-legal services?Medico-legal services consist of detailed medical examinations and comprehensive reports that determine the severity of illnesses and injuries to assist courts in making fair decisions.
Medico-legal services involve:
- Formulating evidence-based medical reports for the court.
- Attending court as a medical expert/witness.
What does the medico-legal process involve?
1. Booking
To initiate the medico-legal process, you will need to arrange a consultation with our esteemed professional, Dr. Maraj, a highly experienced and respected figure in the field. Our medico-legal services extend to the following groups:
- Attorneys on behalf of the plaintiff or defendant
- Law firms on behalf of the plaintiff or defendant
- Consulting groups are third-party sources (responsible for commissioning reports) that act as intermediaries between doctors and lawyers.
2. Consultation
During a consultation, Dr Maraj will inquire about the situation and the reason for the medico-legal report. She will then explain everything you need to know about what to expect with the process and what will happen during the consultation. It's important to note that the patient’s consent and cooperation are crucial throughout the process. The rights and responsibilities of the patient will be fully respected and upheld.
Reports are also done for deceased individuals, which involves family interviews. In these cases, we conduct thorough interviews with the family members to gather as much information as possible, ensuring the accuracy and sensitivity of the report.
A medico-legal consultation aims to provide the patient’s legal representation with as much information as possible while the doctor acts as a medical expert throughout the case.
3. History taking
History taking is a meticulous and comprehensive process that involves gathering detailed medical information about the patient, including their medical history, history of illnesses, and family history of illness.
History taking is conducted as you would an interview with the patient and, in some cases, close relatives. The process involves collecting as much individualised medical data as possible.
4. Examination
A medico-legal examination is the process of evaluating the patient’s physical, emotional and mental health, which is crucial information used for legal purposes.5. Generation of a medico-legal report
A medico-legal report is a crucial document that contains detailed information outlining the patient's condition. It is a key piece of evidence in legal cases, providing essential medical information from a professional doctor.
Representation as an Expert Medical Witness in Court
A professional, expert medical witness acts as a specialist in court, showcasing advanced knowledge, training and skills. As a result, she offers unbiased, objective evidence during legal proceedings, which plays a critical role in determining a verdict.
Contact for:
- Medico-legal services are available, including legal representation acting on behalf of the plaintiff or defendant outside Johannesburg. Inquire about costs, travel and accommodation for expert witnesses.