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   Memorandum for Attorneys
      

 

Experts and Preliminary Review

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    Panel Experts*
    Medicolegal Consultants has signed agreements with experts nationwide in nearly all medical
    and paramedical specialties. We refer to these individuals as panel experts. The agreements allow us
    to present their credentials (usually a CV or profile and fee schedule) to an attorney or law firm or
    other person or agency contemplating hiring a medical or scientific expert. The agreements specify
    that all billing and payments will be from our office. We are entitled to retain a certain percentage of
    their fees for case review and consultation, for deposition, and trial testimony or for other services
    performed for our client in connection with a case. Direct hiring or payment of a panel expert by the
    attorney or other client is specifically prohibited.

    Charges vary according to specialty but most panel experts require a 2-4 hour minimum retainer. We
    also require an administrative fee of $100, payable in advance along with the expert retainer. On
    receipt of payment, we will fax or e-mail the client a copy of the expert’s CV and fee schedule. If
    the client does not wish to use our expert, we will refund the retainer fee if notified within 3 business
    days of our confirmation of payment. The administrative fee is not refundable.
  

    Non-Panel Experts*
    Sometimes we do not have a panel expert that is suitable geographically or is immediately available
    or is free of conflicts; or the client requires someone with very special knowledge, credentials or
    research experience. In this case we will undertake a search for a non-panel expert. Using non-panel
    experts allows us more flexibility in fees and location. We maintain a large database of independent
    experts in the medical, paramedical and scientific fields and can provide an appropriate person in a
    short time.

    Our search fee for a non-panel expert or IME physician is $250-$500, depending on the specialty,
    and payable in advance. If time is of the essence or the requirements for the expert unusually
    rigorous, we may charge a higher fee. Your firm’s check should be sent to MedicoLegal Consultants
    at our Los Angeles mailing address. We are unable to release CVs, fee schedules or contact information
    on an expert until the deposit is received. This is necessary since many clients have ignored our
    statements after a referral has been made. If time is of the essence, a check by messenger, express
    mail or overnight delivery service is suggested. Sorry, credit cards or your client’s checks are not
    accepted.

    You are free to contract with and pay a non-panel or IME expert directly. Payment of our search fee
    satisfies the obligation to us. We do offer a refund less an administrative fee ($50) for
     cancellations before referral or if we are unable to provide a suitable expert. No contract for non-
    panel expert services is available from us and we do not guarantee the authenticity or accuracy of
    information provided by the expert. Checking of credentials, possible credibility problems or conflicts of
    interest is up to you. As we often refer more than one expert we would appreciate learning which one
    will be used.

    Preliminary Review
     We also offer a preliminary review of medical records by our medical-legal panel to determine if there
    is a basis for further legal action. Our usual fee is $850 for a review and report unless the records are
    very short or unusually long. This fee is usually one-third to one-half of a typical expert fee but must
    be paid before we can review the records and release the report. If there is evidence of negligence or 
    other basis for legal action or if a second opinion is requested, we will refer an appropriate expert
    consultant without additional charge.

    *Please Note: All experts (panel and non-panel) we refer are independent in that their opinions are
    their own. We cannot guarantee a favorable opinion or that the expert will testify in your case. Thank
    you for contacting us. We look forward to serving your needs for medical and scientific experts.

  
                 © Copyright 2009 by MedicoLegal Consultants. All rights reserved. This page updated June 12, 2009