Understanding Medical Legal Reports
A medical legal report (also known as a medico-legal report) is an independent, impartial assessment of a person’s eye health, prepared by a Consultant Ophthalmologist for use in legal, insurance, or regulatory proceedings. These reports are commonly required for personal injury claims, clinical negligence cases, DVLA fitness-to-drive reviews, and disability or insurance assessments.
Dr Pedro Gonzalez provides clear, evidence-based reports written in accessible language for non-medical readers, while meeting the standards expected by courts, solicitors, and insurers across Renfrewshire and the wider Glasgow area.
Clinical Interests Relevant to Medico-Legal Work
Dr Gonzalez prepares medico-legal reports across the following areas of ophthalmic practice:
- Adult Ocular Motility
- Cataract Surgery
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- General Ophthalmology
Who This Service Is For
- Solicitors handling personal injury claims
- Insurance companies and loss adjusters
- Individuals referred for DVLA medical reviews
- Clinical negligence legal teams
- Employers requiring occupational vision assessments
Report Types Provided
- Personal injury (eye trauma) reports
- Clinical negligence opinion reports
- DVLA fitness-to-drive assessments
- Disability and visual impairment reports
- Court-compliant expert witness statements
Experience Preparing Expert Witness Reports
Dr Gonzalez has been preparing expert witness reports for 16 years and has attended appropriate courses and training to support this work.
On average, he receives 8 instructions per calendar month, made up of approximately:
- 70% from pursuers
- 20% from defendants
- 10% medical negligence cases
He also undertakes major cases across the UK, predominantly for the Crown Prosecution Service, providing expert ophthalmic opinion in cases involving paediatric deaths, including findings such as retinal haemorrhages.
Dr Gonzalez works with many major solicitor firms and is familiar with how the legal system operates, ensuring reports meet the standards required for use in proceedings.
Fees & Transparency
Dr Gonzalez’s prices are transparent, giving solicitors certainty on the financial aspect of a case before instructions are accepted.
Service Fee
- Report including clinical examination of the client
- £1,250.00
- Medical negligence cases
- Priced individually, discussed in advance
- Subsequent work (e.g. court attendance)
- £400.00 per hour
Academic Background
In addition to being a medical doctor, Dr Gonzalez has completed a research degree (MD, University of Glasgow, 2005), through which he has gained experience and skills in critiquing information and presenting balanced argument skills directly relevant to medico-legal reporting.
Our Process
Instruction & Referral
Solicitors, insurers, or referring agencies submit instructions along with relevant background details and the scope of the report required.
Medical Records Review
All relevant medical records, imaging, and clinical history are reviewed thoroughly before the assessment takes place.
Clinical Examination
A comprehensive ophthalmic examination is carried out at the Braehead clinic, using up-to-date diagnostic equipment.
Report Preparation & Delivery
A detailed, court-compliant report is prepared and delivered within the agreed timeframe, with availability for follow-up queries or clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a medical legal report take?
Most reports are completed within 2–4 weeks of the clinical assessment, depending on case complexity and the volume of medical records to review. Urgent turnaround can be discussed on request.
Is the assessment the same as a normal eye examination?
No. A medico-legal assessment is more detailed and is specifically structured to address the legal or insurance questions raised in the instructing letter.
Can Dr Gonzalez provide expert witness testimony in court?
Yes. Dr Gonzalez has experience preparing court-compliant reports and is available to provide expert witness testimony when required.
How is confidentiality handled?
All assessments and reports are handled in strict confidence, in line with GMC guidance and current data protection requirements.
What does a medico-legal report cost?
The standard fee for a report including clinical examination is £1,250.00. Medical negligence cases are priced individually and discussed in advance. Any subsequent work, such as court attendance, is charged at £400.00 per hour.
How much experience does Dr Gonzalez have with expert witness work?
Dr Gonzalez has been preparing expert witness reports for 16 years, receiving around 8 instructions per month from solicitors, insurers and legal teams across the UK, including major cases for the Crown Prosecution Service.
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Related Treatments
General Ophthalmology