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 summaries from treating providers, those documents typically address only one aspect of patient 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.
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
A causation report analyzes whether a specific event or exposure played a role in the onset or worsening of a medical condition. The report begins with a concise summary of the individual’s medical history and the incident in question, creating a clear framework for review.
The analysis considers pre-existing conditions, comorbidities, and other relevant risk factors to assess how the event may have contributed to the current presentation. Clinical findings are evaluated in the context of timing, progression, and plausibility.
Medical literature, clinical standards, and objective evidence are used to support conclusions. Alternative explanations and potential confounders are acknowledged and addressed.
This structured approach offers attorneys clear medical insight to inform causation arguments and guide case development.
Causation Analysis
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.
A Future Care and Cost Report outlines the likely medical needs and associated expenses a person may face after an injury or illness. It provides a practical framework for understanding the long-term scope and cost of ongoing care.
The report includes expected treatments, therapies, medications, procedures, and supportive services based on the individual’s diagnosis, prognosis, and medical records. Duration of care—whether short-term, ongoing, or intermittent—is addressed, along with cost estimates based on current market rates and national pricing benchmarks.
The analysis reflects clinical expertise and is informed by relevant guidelines, data sources, and consideration of potential complications. These reports help clarify the medical foundation for future care planning and are frequently used to support case valuation and resolution.
Future Medical Care and Associated Cost
Independent Medical Exam (IME) Rebuttal
An IME Rebuttal Report offers a structured, physician-level review of an Independent Medical Examination. We provide a clear summary of the IME’s findings, followed by a focused medical analysis addressing areas that may benefit from further context or clarification.
This may include identifying gaps in clinical evaluation, variation in interpretation, or areas where additional evidence or updated guidelines could be relevant. Throughout the report, we reference medical records, diagnostic results, and peer-reviewed literature to support our analysis.
The report concludes with a clear, evidence-based medical opinion on the issues of 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.