Medical expertise

What is medical expertise?

The medical expertise relates Medicine and Law and is fundamental in Health Law. The specialist is a medical expert, who with the knowledge of both branches is able to evaluate and give a verdict on the state of health of a person who has suffered physical or psychological damage.

The evaluations are key when proceeding in the following aspects:

  • Compensations
  • Reparations
  • Disability or dependency awards

There are several types of medical expertise:

  • Medical expertise in the civil field
  • Medical expertise in the criminal field
  • Medical expertise in the health field
  • Medical expertise in the labor field
  • Medical expertise in the family field
  • Medical expertise in the administrative field
  • Medical expertise in the military field
  • Medical expertise in the canonical field

Medical expertise relates medicine and law.

What does it consist of?

In a medical expert appraisal the evaluation will be performed by an expert physician, who can optimally assess the state of health of the person, the injuries, damages or specific disease suffered.

The medical expert must make a complete study using all available techniques and instruments to determine the extent of the injuries or pathology. It is important that the study be clear, concise and reasoned.

The tests to be performed will vary according to the specific case of each person.

Why is it performed?

There are different situations in which it may be necessary to perform a medical expertise, among which stand out:

  • Judicial, criminal, social or civil proceedings.
  • Medical negligence (malpractice).
  • Traffic or work accidents.
  • Administrative situations: in cases of disability or incapacity.
  • Insurance policy: patients of policies claiming compensation for injuries or illness.