Trauma and PTSD expert witness reports
Independent assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma reactions after abuse or traumatic healthcare: whether the diagnosis is made out, how severe it is, what caused it and what treatment will help. Free initial screening call and fixed fees with no hidden charges.
- APIL Tier 1 Recommended Expert
- Claimant, defendant and SJE
- Reports usually 1–2 weeks from assessment
Whether the PTSD diagnosis is made out
PTSD claims are a significant part of Dr Pradhan’s work. She assesses whether the claimant meets the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, or whether the presentation is better explained by another trauma-related condition, a depressive or anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder or acute stress disorder.
A trauma history does not establish PTSD by itself, and a questionnaire score is not a diagnosis. The report sets out the traumatic event relied on, the symptoms described at assessment, how they were recorded in the GP and treatment records over time, and whether intrusive memories, avoidance and a sense of current threat are present at the level the diagnosis requires.
Dr Pradhan is dual-accredited for claimant and defendant work and won Expert Witness Awards in 2017 and 2019.
What the report covers
Each report is written to the pleaded issues and the evidence available. PTSD reports commonly address:
- Whether the criteria for PTSD are met, and under which classification
- Complex trauma, and whether complex PTSD is the better diagnosis
- Acute stress disorder and adjustment disorder as alternatives
- Depression, anxiety and panic alongside the trauma symptoms
- Severity, chronicity and the likely duration of symptoms
- The chronology of symptoms against the GP and treatment records
- The reliability of symptom reporting, and consistency across the records
- Earlier trauma, and pre-existing vulnerability
- The effect on sleep, concentration, work, relationships and daily living
- Trauma-focused treatment, its likely benefit and the number of sessions needed
- Prognosis and the risk of relapse
- Joint statements, supplementary questions and second opinions
Send a short summary of the traumatic event relied on, the relevant dates and any earlier treatment, and Dr Pradhan will confirm the scope of opinion and a fixed fee.
Submit an enquiryThe questions a PTSD claim turns on
Most disputes about PTSD come down to the same three questions, and the report answers each of them directly:
- Are the criteria for PTSD met, or does another diagnosis fit the evidence better?
- Was the traumatic event relied on the cause, or did it worsen an existing condition?
- What treatment is reasonably required, and what is the likely course of recovery?
The report explains each answer against the diagnostic criteria and the records.
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Trauma in abuse and clinical negligence claims
In abuse claims, the trauma is often repeated, began in childhood and was disclosed late. The assessment separates the effects of the abuse relied on from other adversity in the history, and considers whether the pattern of symptoms is closer to PTSD or to complex PTSD.
In clinical negligence claims, PTSD can follow traumatic medical experiences: avoidable surgical complications, intensive care, a difficult birth or a delayed cancer diagnosis. The report addresses the psychiatric consequences of the alleged negligence and the likely future course; the standard of the physical care is a matter for the relevant medical expert.
Conditions commonly assessed
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Complex PTSD
- Acute stress disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Depressive episode
- Panic disorder and phobic anxiety
Trauma relied on
- Childhood sexual or physical abuse
- Sexual assault in adulthood
- Domestic abuse
- Traumatic birth or surgery
- Intensive care and medical emergencies
- Delayed diagnosis of serious illness
Diagnosis, classification and the court’s questions
PTSD is defined in both ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR, with some differences between them, and the report states which classification is used and why. For claims in England and Wales the report is structured for CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35; reports for Scotland and Northern Ireland are prepared to the requirements of those courts.
In England and Wales, the Judicial College Guidelines treat post-traumatic stress disorder separately from other psychiatric damage, and place a claim by its effect on the injured person’s life and the prognosis. The report gives the evidence on each of those matters.
NICE recommends trauma-focused psychological therapy for adults with PTSD, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and, in some cases, EMDR. The report says which treatment is indicated and how much.
Related pages
PTSD report questions
If your question is not answered here, call and Dr Pradhan will advise on scope and timescale.
Call 0121 752 6065Does a traumatic event mean the claimant has PTSD?
No. Many people have distressing symptoms after a traumatic event without meeting the criteria for PTSD. The assessment examines the symptoms, their duration and their effect on functioning, and considers other diagnoses that may fit the evidence better.
Can a questionnaire score establish PTSD?
No. Screening questionnaires can help the assessment, but the diagnosis rests on a clinical interview, the history and the records. The report explains how any scores were used.
Does Dr Pradhan assess PTSD in clinical negligence claims?
Yes, where PTSD or another trauma reaction is said to follow alleged negligent care, including surgery, intensive care, childbirth and delayed diagnosis. She gives the psychiatric opinion; the standard of the physical care is for the relevant medical expert.
Will the report recommend treatment?
Yes. It says what treatment is indicated, such as trauma-focused therapy, how many sessions are likely to be needed, and how treatment is expected to affect the prognosis.
How quickly can a PTSD report be delivered?
Usually 1–2 weeks from assessment. Urgent reports can often be provided in 2–5 working days where the papers and appointment can be arranged promptly.
Instruct Dr Pradhan on a PTSD claim
Send a short summary of the traumatic event relied on and the issues, the funding route and any limitation or hearing dates.
- Phone0121 752 6065
- Emailinfo@
doctorpradhan.co.uk - Consulting Rooms NationwideAbacus Court, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0HH
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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If the matter is urgent, call 0121 752 6065.