Psychiatric evidence in physical abuse claims
Independent psychiatric assessment where physical abuse or assault, in childhood or adult life, is said to have caused psychiatric injury, for claimant, defendant and single joint expert instructions. 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
The psychiatric harm of physical abuse
The psychiatric effects of physical abuse often outlast the physical injuries. Dr Pradhan assesses adults whose claims concern physical abuse in childhood, in a relationship, in care or in an institution, or a single serious assault, and gives an opinion on the psychiatric diagnosis, its cause, its effect on daily life and the likely course.
She assesses whether the claimant meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, depression, an anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder, and considers the effect of fear, hypervigilance and loss of trust on relationships, work and independence. Where physical abuse happened alongside sexual or emotional abuse, the report explains how the effects relate to each other.
Dr Pradhan is an APIL Tier 1 recommended expert and is regularly appointed as a single joint expert, and judges have commended her reports for clarity.
What the report covers
Reports in physical abuse claims commonly address:
- PTSD and complex PTSD after repeated violence
- Depression, anxiety and panic
- Fear, hypervigilance and avoidance
- The effect of a head injury on mental health, with the neurological evidence
- Physical abuse alongside sexual or emotional abuse
- Apportionment between physical and other forms of abuse
- Earlier trauma, and pre-existing vulnerability
- Chronic pain and its effect on mood
- The effect on education, employment and earning capacity
- Relationships, trust and parenting
- Treatment needs, prognosis and future vulnerability
- Supplementary questions, joint statements and second opinions
Send a short outline of the abuse relied on, when and where it happened and any limitation date, and Dr Pradhan will confirm the scope of opinion and a fixed fee.
Submit an enquiryWhy apportionment now matters more
Physical abuse often comes with other abuse. In England and Wales the 2026 removal of the time limit covers only injury attributable to sexual abuse suffered under 18, so the report may need to answer:
- Which of the claimant’s difficulties are attributable to the physical abuse?
- Which are attributable to sexual or emotional abuse in the same history?
- Is there a rational basis for dividing the injury between them, or is it indivisible?
The answers can affect limitation as well as damages, so the report sets out the reasoning for each.
Submit an enquiry
Time limits across the UK
In England and Wales, claims for physical abuse remain subject to the ordinary three-year limit, running from the age of 18 for abuse in childhood, with the court’s discretion to allow a later claim. Where that discretion is in issue, the report can explain the psychiatric reasons the claimant did not come forward earlier.
In Scotland, the Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Act 2017 removed the time bar for physical as well as sexual and emotional abuse suffered as a child, where it took place on or after 26 September 1964. In Northern Ireland, the ordinary time limits and the court’s discretion apply.
Conditions commonly assessed
- PTSD
- Complex PTSD
- Depressive disorder
- Anxiety and panic
- Adjustment disorder
- Substance misuse
Settings commonly involved
- Family and home
- Care homes and children’s homes
- Schools and boarding schools
- Relationships in adult life
- Custody and detention
- Single serious assaults
Criminal injuries and civil claims
A crime of violence can found an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority as well as a civil claim against the perpetrator or a responsible organisation. In either case the psychiatric evidence addresses the diagnosis, its severity and its cause; whether the abuse happened is for the court or the CICA.
For claims in England and Wales the report is structured for CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35. Reports for proceedings in Scotland and Northern Ireland are prepared to the requirements of those courts.
For an award for mental injury, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 requires a diagnosis or prognosis by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The Scheme covers England, Wales and Scotland; Northern Ireland has its own scheme.
Related pages
Physical abuse claim questions
If your question is not answered here, call and Dr Pradhan will advise on scope and timescale.
Call 0121 752 6065Does the 2026 change to limitation apply to physical abuse?
Not in England and Wales. It covers only injury attributable to sexual abuse suffered under 18. Physical abuse remains subject to the ordinary time limits and the court’s discretion. In Scotland, the 2017 Act covers physical abuse in childhood.
The claimant was physically and sexually abused. Can the report separate the two?
The report explains how much of the claimant’s difficulties can reasonably be attributed to each, where the evidence allows, and says where the injury cannot sensibly be divided.
The abuse caused a head injury. Is that within scope?
The psychiatric consequences are. Where a brain injury is in issue, neurological and neuropsychological evidence is usually needed as well, and the report says so. Dr Pradhan’s wider network includes neurology experts; ask when you call.
Can the report be used for a CICA application?
Yes. A CICA award for mental injury needs a diagnosis or prognosis by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
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 on a physical abuse claim
Send a short outline of the claim 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.