FOR LAWYERS:
Preliminary Review
Preliminary Review insures high quality at a budget price.
If there is uncertainty regarding the merits of a case, our Prelim Review program may be "just what the lawyer ordered." This is a lower-cost, case-review only plan done by qualified physicians or other health-care professionals. A reliable opinion with a brief report (optional) may be obtained, usually within two weeks from receipt of the records. Our charge is $800 in advance for up to 4 hours of review and the report. This is one-half to one-third the usual cost of an expert opinion and may save you and your client considerable money in marginal cases. In rare cases which are unusually lengthy or complicated, additional charges may be required.
Many of our experts also do Prelim Review at the reduced rate. To insure the highest quality, all cases in our Prelim Review program are subject to a "second opinion" by our Medical Director. All we require are copies (two copies preferred) of the relevant medical records and imaging studies (if important to the case) and your firm's check for $800 to LawPhysicians sent to our California office. A cover letter or a summary of the facts of the case listing the critical legal and medical issues is very helpful. If time is a factor, overnight delivery service such as Federal Express or Express Mail is recommended.
We will notify you of receipt of the records (usually by fax) and inform you of the name, location and specialty of the reviewer. The reviewer will send you a short (one page or less) written opinion unless you request a telephone report. A copy of the reviewer's opinion is sent to our office for review by our Medical Director. If you decide no further action is indicated, the process ends. If there is basis for further legal action, we will provide an appropriate expert for further review, deposition and trial testimony. In many cases, the preliminary reviewer is willing and able to serve as an expert at his or her regular fee schedule.
Any questions or problems which arise may be discussed directly with our medical director.
