Psychiatric expert witness for abuse claims

Independent psychiatric evidence on the harm caused by abuse, in childhood or adult life, for claimant, defendant and single joint expert instructions. Historic abuse claims are at the centre of Dr Pradhan’s practice.

Submit an enquiry Call 0121 752 6065
A worn teddy bear sitting on a child’s bed

Abuse claims depend on psychiatric evidence. Dr Pradhan assesses adults who were abused as children or as adults, in families, relationships, care, schools and other organisations, and gives a clear opinion on the psychiatric diagnosis, what caused it, how it has affected their life and its likely course.

She is an NHS Consultant Psychiatrist in Birmingham with 25 years’ experience in psychiatry, and is FRCPsych and section 12(2) approved, APIL Tier 1 recommended and dual-accredited for claimant and defendant work. Specialist abuse departments have instructed her over a number of years, and her reports have been commended by judges for clarity.

What solicitors get

  • Diagnosis, causation, apportionment and prognosis
  • Delayed disclosure assessed as part of the clinical picture
  • Reports usually 1–2 weeks from assessment
  • Fixed fees and a free screening call

Choose the type of abuse

The questions every abuse claim raises

Whatever form the abuse took, the psychiatric evidence deals with the same three questions, judged on the history, the records and the assessment:

  1. What psychiatric harm has the claimant suffered, and how severe is it?
  2. How much of it was caused by the abuse, rather than other events in their life?
  3. What treatment is needed, and what is the likely course?

Whether the abuse happened, and who is legally responsible, are questions for the court. The report gives the psychiatric opinion on the factual basis in the instructions, and explains how it would change on different findings.

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Assessments used in abuse claims

Most abuse claims need one report covering diagnosis, causation, prognosis and treatment. These pages explain each part in more detail.

Send a short outline of the claim and the questions for the expert, and Dr Pradhan will say which report the case needs and confirm a fixed fee.

Submit an enquiry

Time limits and redress across the UK

The rules differ by jurisdiction and by the form of abuse.

England and Wales

No time limit since 29 June 2026 for injury attributable to sexual abuse suffered under 18. A defendant can still ask the court to dismiss the claim if a fair hearing is not possible. Other abuse, and abuse in adult life, remain under the ordinary limits and the court’s discretion.

Scotland

No time bar for sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect suffered as a child on or after 26 September 1964. The redress scheme for abuse in care stays open until at least 7 December 2026.

Northern Ireland

The ordinary time limits and the court’s discretion apply. The Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board closed to new applications on 2 April 2025.

The psychiatric evidence

Where the court’s discretion applies, the report can explain why the claimant did not come forward earlier. Apportionment between sexual and other abuse can now affect limitation as well as damages.

Submit an enquiry Call 0121 752 6065
We are a department who specialise in claims for abuse victims. Dr Pradhan has assisted us over a number of years… Our clients have found her to be sympathetic and understanding and we have found her reports to be excellent.
Layla Watson, Farleys Solicitors

Abuse claim questions

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

Call 0121 752 6065
What does a psychiatric report in an abuse claim cover?

The psychiatric diagnosis, how severe it is, how much of it was caused by the abuse rather than other events, the effect on education, work and relationships, the treatment needed and the prognosis. Where the court’s discretion on time limits applies, it can also address the psychiatric reasons for delay.

Does the report say whether the abuse happened?

No. That is a finding for the court, and the report works from the facts set out in the instructions.

Does Dr Pradhan act for defendants in abuse claims?

Yes. She is dual-accredited for claimant and defendant work and is regularly appointed as a single joint expert. Her opinion is independent of the party that instructs her.

Does Dr Pradhan assess claimants who are still children?

She assesses adults aged 18 and over. Where the claimant is still a child, the assessment can be arranged through the child psychiatrists in her network; call to discuss the case.

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.

What are the fees and funding options?

Fixed fees with no hidden charges, and flexible or deferred payment terms where appropriate. Legal aid (LAA), CFA or insurance-backed, private, and council, court or CPS-funded instructions are accepted.

Instruct Dr Pradhan on an abuse claim

Send the claimant’s age, a short outline of the claim and the issues, 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.

Case enquiry

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Please do not include medical records or a detailed personal history.

Instructions are accepted from solicitors only. Read our privacy policy before sending personal information.