Psychiatric prognosis reports

A reasoned opinion on what happens next: how long the claimant’s symptoms are likely to last, what difference treatment will make, the risk of relapse and the effect on work and daily life in the years ahead. Free initial screening call and fixed fees with no hidden charges.

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  • APIL Tier 1 Recommended Expert
  • Claimant, defendant and SJE
  • Reports usually 1–2 weeks from assessment
Evening sun through a tree over a grassy field

The likely course of recovery

Prognosis drives the value of a psychiatric injury claim. Dr Pradhan’s reports address severity, chronicity and the likely duration of symptoms, the treatment that is needed and how the claimant is likely to respond to it, the risk of relapse and the claimant’s future vulnerability.

A prognosis is only as good as its assumptions. The report says what it assumes about treatment, work and other circumstances, explains what would change the opinion, and identifies when a further assessment would help rather than guessing at a fixed recovery date.

Dr Pradhan is an APIL Tier 1 recommended expert and is regularly appointed as a single joint expert.

What the report covers

Prognosis reports commonly address:

  • The current severity of the condition, and its course so far
  • The likely duration of symptoms, with and without treatment
  • The treatment needed, and the likely response to it
  • The risk of relapse, and what might trigger it
  • Future vulnerability to further psychiatric illness
  • The effect on work and earning capacity in the future
  • The effect on relationships, independence and daily living
  • Whether symptoms are likely to become permanent
  • How earlier history affects the outlook
  • When a further assessment would be useful
  • The assumptions behind the prognosis, and what would change it
  • Supplementary questions, joint statements and updated reports

Send a short summary of the events relied on, the relevant dates and the treatment received so far, and Dr Pradhan will confirm the scope of opinion and a fixed fee.

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Prognosis depends on treatment

Most psychiatric prognoses are conditional. The report makes the conditions clear, so that the court and the parties can see what the outlook rests on.

With treatment

The likely course if the recommended treatment is received, and how long it will take to have effect.

Without treatment

The likely course if treatment is delayed, unavailable or not taken up.

Relapse

The risk of relapse after recovery, the circumstances likely to trigger it and the support that would reduce it.

Permanence

Whether some symptoms are likely to persist despite treatment, and their effect on work and daily life.

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Prognosis and the value of the claim

In England and Wales, the factors the Judicial College Guidelines list for psychiatric damage include how far treatment is likely to succeed, future vulnerability and the prognosis. The report gives the psychiatric evidence on each.

Where the prognosis is uncertain, the report says so and explains when the picture is likely to become clearer. A supplementary or updated report can then deal with the claimant’s progress before settlement or trial. For claims in England and Wales the report is structured for CPR Part 35; reports for Scotland and Northern Ireland are prepared to the requirements of those courts.

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When to reassess

An early prognosis may be guarded, especially while treatment is under way. The report gives a realistic date for review, so that a later report can confirm the course before the case is valued.

Related pages

Treatment needsThe treatment required, how much and for how longFind out more
Future care and rehabilitationLong-term psychiatric care and supportFind out more
Psychiatric causationChronology, competing explanations and apportionmentFind out more
Addendum and supplementary reportsUpdated reports and written questionsFind out more

Prognosis questions

If your question is not answered here, call and Dr Pradhan will advise on scope and timescale.

Call 0121 752 6065
Can the report give a recovery date?

Where the evidence allows, it gives a likely timescale and explains it. Where the outlook depends on treatment or other events, it says so and gives the timescale for each scenario rather than a single date that cannot be supported.

Is prognosis covered in a psychiatric injury report?

Usually, yes. Diagnosis, causation and prognosis are normally in one report. A separate prognosis report is useful where an earlier report is out of date or prognosis is the only issue.

What if the claimant has not had treatment yet?

The report gives the likely course with and without the recommended treatment, so that both the outlook and the cost of treatment can be assessed.

Can the prognosis be updated before trial?

Yes. A supplementary or updated report can review the claimant’s progress, with a further assessment where needed.

How quickly can a report be delivered?

Usually 1–2 weeks from assessment, and urgent reports can often be provided in 2–5 working days where the papers and appointment can be arranged promptly.

Instruct Dr Pradhan for a prognosis report

Send a short summary of the events relied on, the treatment received so far, the funding route and any limitation or hearing dates.

Please do not include medical records or a detailed personal history in this form. Dr Pradhan will confirm how to send the papers once the instruction is agreed.

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