Medico-Legal Consulting Services

Medico-legal services are delivered by Back in Motion Functional Assessments (BIMFA). The occupational therapists who provide these consultations have experience working in the legal system, and have been qualified as Expert Witnesses in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. These services can be

tailored to the specific needs of the referral source.

Types of Medico-Legal Consultation Services

Cost of Future Care Analysis

This service typically includes an analysis of the medical history to determine impairment status, as well as a home visit to identify needs related to activities

of daily living. Functional measures can also be administered, as necessary, to determine client ability to perform activities of daily living.

The Occupational Therapist may also conduct community-based research to determine costs associated with one or more of the following services:

Physical therapy
Nursing
Psychological treatment
Care attendants
Homemaking

Home maintenance
Medical equipment and supplies
Community services
Ergonomic equipment
Recreational Equipment

A report is generated, outlining care needs and associated costs.

Critique/Consultation pertaining to other Expert Occupational
Therapist Reports

This service is available to lawyers, employers, unions and insurance personnel, and includes the following components:

Interpretation of relevant medical and functional test procedures
Delineation of gaps in other expert’s methodology
Delineation of errors of interpretation, clinical reasoning, and report writing
Alternate interpretations or opinions
Guidance regarding reasons for further inquiry
Provision of evidence-based research as a tool in cross examinations
Critique of quoted research by other experts

Facilitation of Cross Examination of Expert Testimony
(Prior to Court or During Cross Examination)

This service incorporates case consultation/critique, as well as the development of questions to be used in cross examination. Attendance at legal proceedings is often requested to evaluate witness testimony, and provide guidance to the lawyer for 2nd order questions.

Functional Analysis of Surveillance Video

This service includes one or more of the following components:

Expert functional analysis of activities on videotape in relation to known medical impairments
Guidance regarding utility of videotape in case proceedings
Guidance regarding accuracy of decisions of lay personnel based on their interpretations of videotape