SERVICES
Medical Expert Consulting Services
for Stronger Cases
Dr. Goswami provides evidence-based medical expert consulting services to help attorneys clarify complex cases before litigation.
Her services—ranging from Medical Summary Reports and Causation Analyses to Standard of Care Reviews, Future Care Assessments, and IME Rebuttals—offer clear, objective insight that supports strategy, settlement, and case value.
Medical Summary Report
One of the most frequently requested services from our attorney clients is the preparation of Medical Summary Reports—a comprehensive review of the medical aspects of a case, including analysis and medical opinion based on the client interview, review of medical records, and relevant literature.
Medical Summary Reports can serve two primary purposes:
To help attorneys coordinate the medical aspects of a case, clarifying key diagnoses, causation, and ongoing care.
To strengthen settlement demand letters by presenting a cohesive, physician-prepared summary of the client’s medical history, injuries, and prognosis.
While attorneys often receive medical notes or brief summaries from treating providers, those documents typically address only one aspect of care. A Medical Summary Report synthesizes all relevant medical data—offering a complete view of the case, including ongoing medical problems, mechanisms of injury, causation, functional losses, and anticipated future medical needs and costs. Each report is grounded in evidence from the medical literature and written in clear, accessible language that both medical and legal professionals can understand.
Report Sections Include:
Introduction
Records Reviewed
Brief History of Events
Brief Review of Verbatim Records
Ongoing Medical Problems
Medical Charges to Date
Discussion
Future Medical Care and Costs
Summary
Causation Analysis
A causation report examines whether a specific incident or exposure directly contributed to an individual’s medical condition. Our process begins with a clear summary of the patient’s medical background and the event in question, establishing the foundation for a focused, evidence-based review.
We evaluate the medical history in context, identifying any prior conditions or risk factors that could influence the outcome. This perspective helps clarify how the event may have caused or worsened the current findings.
Each report integrates relevant clinical literature and established medical standards to ensure that opinions are well-supported and current. We also consider alternative explanations and potential challenges, addressing them with balanced, medically grounded reasoning.
The result is a clear, structured causation analysis that provides attorneys with reliable medical insight to support case strategy.
Standard of Care Review
A Standard of Care Review evaluates whether a healthcare provider’s actions were consistent with accepted medical standards within their specialty and the specific circumstances of the case. This analysis involves a detailed examination of the medical records, treatment decisions, and applicable clinical guidelines to determine if care was appropriate, timely, and consistent with professional norms.
By comparing the provider’s actions to what a reasonably competent clinician would have done under similar conditions, we can identify any deviations from accepted practice. If a breach is identified, the report outlines how that deviation may have directly contributed to the patient’s harm or adverse outcome.
This review not only helps establish whether the standard of care was met, but also supports case valuation by clarifying the nature and extent of resulting injuries, ongoing impairments, and future medical needs. Attorneys use this analysis to build strong, evidence-based arguments during settlement negotiations.
Sample redacted reports are available upon request. Please contact us for details.
Future Medical Care and Associated Cost
A Future Care and Cost Report provides an evidence-based projection of an individual’s long-term medical needs and related expenses following injury or illness. This analysis helps attorneys, adjusters, and clients understand the true scope and financial impact of ongoing medical care.
Grounded in clinical expertise, each report outlines current and anticipated medical requirements—such as future treatments, surgeries, therapies, medications, and specialized support services—based on the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, and recovery trajectory. It defines the expected duration of care, whether short-term, lifelong, or periodic, and includes cost projections supported by current market data and national cost databases.
The analysis draws from comprehensive review of medical records, clinical guidelines, and objective data sources. Potential complications and secondary conditions are also considered to ensure realistic estimates. The result is a credible, physician-prepared report that supports attorneys in evaluating damages, negotiating settlements, and preparing for litigation.
Independent Medical Exam (IME) Rebuttal
An IME Rebuttal Report provides a detailed, physician-level analysis that challenges or clarifies the conclusions of an Independent Medical Examination. The report begins by identifying our role as treating or consulting physicians and referencing the IME’s author, date, and purpose. We then present an objective summary of the IME’s findings, followed by a point-by-point critique addressing factual inaccuracies, diagnostic inconsistencies, and omissions in reasoning. When applicable, we note any outdated methods, lack of supporting evidence, or missing clinical evaluations. To support our analysis, we incorporate relevant clinical data, diagnostic results, and peer-reviewed medical literature. The report concludes with a clear explanation of why the IME’s conclusions may be incomplete or flawed and reaffirms our well-supported medical opinion regarding diagnosis and causation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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By identifying key medical issues and clarifying causation, physician-led reports help attorneys present cases that are both credible and compelling. For example, demonstrating that a traumatic injury aggravated pre-existing arthritis can justify higher settlement amounts and ensure fair compensation for the full extent of the client’s injuries and future care needs. These reports clarify complex medical issues and present them in a format that supports effective advocacy and case development.
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The earlier, the better. Engaging a physician consultant during the pre-litigation/ pre-trial phase can:
Identify missing workups or overlooked diagnoses
Prevent unexpected medical challenges later in the case
Strengthen settlement demands with clear, evidence-based medical opinions
Save attorney time by converting complex clinical information into concise, actionable insights
Early collaboration often results in stronger, more efficient case development and better outcomes for clients.
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Yes. While not every case directly involves the consultant’s clinical subspecialty, reports are based on peer-reviewed medical literature and evidence-based standards. For example, cases involving degenerative arthritis or spine disorders may reference orthopedic, rheumatology, and rehabilitation guidelines to assess causation and prognosis. When a matter requires deeper expertise, the consultant can recommend an appropriate subspecialist for expert testimony.
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Pre-existing conditions are among the most common challenges in personal injury cases. Insurers often claim that symptoms stem solely from degenerative disease rather than trauma. Pacific Northwest Medical MD Legal Consulting reviews prior imaging, medical history, and clinical notes to clearly distinguish baseline disease from changes caused or accelerated by injury. Reports address:
Whether the incident exacerbated or accelerated an existing condition
The degree of functional loss attributable to the trauma
Anticipated future medical needs compared to expected natural progression
This analysis provides attorneys with clear, objective evidence to counter defense arguments and strengthen settlement negotiations.