Medico-Legal Assessments Melbourne

Expert Neuropsychological Opinions for Legal and Insurance Matters

At Back on Track Psychology, we provide high-quality, independent medico-legal neuropsychological assessments in Melbourne to support legal, insurance, and occupational matters. Our team has extensive experience in preparing detailed expert reports that clarify the relationship between cognitive functioning and a person’s ability to work, make decisions, or engage in daily life following illness or injury.

These reports are designed to assist courts, insurers, lawyers, and tribunals in understanding the cognitive, emotional, and functional impact of neurological or psychological conditions.

When Is a Medico-Legal Assessment Required?

Our neuropsychologists in Melbourne are frequently engaged to provide expert opinions in the following legal contexts:

• Personal injury claims (e.g. TAC, WorkCover)
• Income protection and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance
• Fitness for duty / return to work assessments
• Criminal matters (e.g. mental impairment, fitness to plead)
• Guardianship or financial management decisions
• Testamentary capacity (legal capacity to make a will)

We accept referrals from:

• Lawyers
• Insurance companies
• Employers
• Courts and tribunals

⚠️ Please note: We are unable to accept self-referrals for medico-legal assessments to maintain our independence and objectivity.

What’s Involved in a Medico-Legal Neuropsychological Assessment?

A typical medico-legal neuropsychological assessment includes:

• A comprehensive clinical interview
• Administration of standardised, evidence-based cognitive and psychological tests
• Review of medical records and other relevant documentation
• Collateral information, where appropriate, from family, carers or professionals
• Optional provision of expert witness testimony in court

Our assessments evaluate domains such as:

• Memory and attention
• Executive functioning and problem-solving
• Mental health and emotional functioning
• Work capacity and insight
• Decision-making and cognitive capacity

Following the assessment, we provide a thorough and independent expert report that directly addresses the legal questions posed, including:

• Diagnosis
• Causation
• Prognosis
• Functional capacity
• Rehabilitation or treatment recommendations

Types of Medico-Legal Reports We Offer

We tailor each assessment to suit the legal context. Common types include:

Personal Injury and Compensation

Evaluating cognitive and emotional impacts following brain injury, trauma, or psychological harm due to workplace accidents, motor vehicle accidents, or public liability claims.

Fitness for Duty / Return to Work

Providing expert opinion on whether an employee is cognitively and psychologically capable of returning to work after illness or injury.

Capacity and Competency

Determining whether someone has the capacity to make legal, medical, or financial decisions, often in relation to guardianship, powers of attorney, or testamentary capacity.

Criminal and Forensic Evaluations

Assessing cognitive impairment, mental illness, or intellectual disability to support questions of criminal responsibility, risk, or sentencing mitigation.