Clinical Trauma
Psychological Witness Reports
Our chambers prepares clinical psychology trauma reports for personal injury, clinical negligence, and abuse claims. Members of our chambers provide psychological trauma assessments compliant with CPR Part 35, Practice Direction 35, and the Civil Justice Council 2014 Guidance, delivering objective, evidence-based evaluations for court proceedings.
Independent psychological
trauma assessment reports.
Our chambers prepares clinical psychology trauma reports for civil claims requiring expert evidence on the psychological impact of traumatic events. Members of our chambers assess PTSD, complex trauma, and related conditions under ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR, providing clear, reasoned opinions for court proceedings.
These reports address causation, condition, and prognosis, supporting quantum calculations and liability determinations. Our experts hold Chartered Clinical Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, ensuring compliance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35.
Three stages where a
trauma psychologist expert witness is required.
Pre-action protocol stage
Our chambers accepts instructions to prepare a clinical psychology trauma report for the Letter of Claim, establishing the claimant’s psychiatric injury and its link to the index event. This supports early settlement negotiations and informs funding decisions under Conditional Fee Agreements.
Directions and allocation
The report is exchanged under CPR Part 35 directions, forming the basis for the Schedule of Loss and any application for permission to rely on expert evidence. Our members provide joint expert discussions under CPR 35.12 where ordered by the court.
Trial and settlement
Our reports are relied upon at joint settlement meetings and, if necessary, at trial. Members of our chambers give oral evidence under cross-examination, with the report’s clarity and reasoning directly influencing the court’s assessment of liability and quantum.
What a clinical psychology
trauma report contains.
Expert credentials
HCPC registration, BPS Chartered status, and the expert’s medico-legal experience profile. The instruction details, including the instructing party and the specific questions posed under CPR Part 35.3.
Background history
Personal, social, educational, and occupational history, establishing the claimant’s pre-morbid baseline. Relevant medical and psychological records are summarised to contextualise the index trauma.
Trauma account
The claimant’s account of the traumatic event, recorded verbatim where possible, alongside the expert’s clinical observations on consistency, coherence, and emotional presentation during disclosure.
Psychometric assessment
Standardised instruments such as the PCL-5, IES-R, or CAPS-5, where clinically indicated. The rationale for selection and interpretation of scores is documented, supporting the diagnostic formulation.
Diagnostic opinion
Diagnosis under ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR, with differential diagnoses considered and ruled out. The reasoning links the trauma exposure to the current clinical presentation, addressing any pre-existing conditions.
Causation and prognosis
The expert’s opinion on the causal link between the index trauma and the claimant’s psychological condition. Prognosis is addressed with and without further treatment, informing future loss calculations.
Declaration of compliance
The CPR Part 35 declaration, signed statement of truth, and confirmation of the expert’s overriding duty to the court under CPR 35.3. The report concludes with the expert’s acknowledgement of independence.
How the trauma
assessment is conducted.
Our members conduct psychological trauma assessments using a structured, trauma-informed approach. Each step is documented transparently to ensure the report withstands scrutiny under CPR Part 35 and cross-examination.
-
01
Records review
Comprehensive review of GP, hospital, mental health, and educational records. Material entries are identified and referenced in the report to support the clinical formulation and diagnostic reasoning.
-
02
Clinical interview
Structured, trauma-informed interview conducted in person or via secure video, typically lasting 2–3 hours. The claimant’s account of the trauma is recorded, and clinical observations are documented.
-
03
Psychometric testing
Where clinically indicated, standardised instruments such as the PCL-5 or IES-R are administered. The rationale for selection and interpretation of results is included in the report body.
-
04
Symptom validity
Symptom validity is addressed where concerns are raised, using clinical judgement and, where appropriate, validated measures. The expert avoids impermissible credibility findings, adhering to CPR Part 35 standards.
-
05
Formulation and opinion
The clinical formulation links the trauma exposure, pre-morbid baseline, and current presentation. The reasoned opinion on diagnosis, causation, and prognosis is presented clearly for the court’s consideration.
Every claim requiring
psychological trauma evidence.
Our chambers accepts instructions for clinical psychology trauma reports across civil litigation, including personal injury, clinical negligence, and abuse claims. Reports are prepared for use in court proceedings, CICA applications, and redress schemes.
Questions from
solicitors we work with.
What is the typical turnaround for a clinical psychology trauma report?
Six to eight weeks from receipt of full records. The assessment is typically scheduled within four weeks of instruction, with the report delivered four weeks post-assessment. Expedited timetables are available for court deadlines.
Do your experts accept instructions for historic abuse cases?
Yes. Members of our chambers assess historic abuse cases, including those subject to limitation issues under s.33 Limitation Act 1980. The report addresses the impact of delayed disclosure and any psychological barriers to earlier reporting.
Are remote assessments acceptable for psychological trauma assessments?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Secure video assessments are accepted by courts and are suitable for many trauma presentations. For complex cases or where capacity is in issue, in-person assessment is recommended and arranged by our chambers.
Can the report address both PTSD and complex trauma?
Yes. Our experts assess for PTSD under DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, as well as complex trauma presentations. The report provides a clear diagnostic formulation, addressing the interplay between trauma exposure and the claimant’s clinical presentation.
Do your experts participate in joint expert discussions?
Yes. Participation in joint expert discussions under CPR 35.12 and preparation of the joint statement is within the standard scope of instruction. Our members are experienced in reconciling differences with opposing experts where possible.
Will the report include recommendations for treatment?
Yes. The report includes a treatment plan with recommended modalities, frequency, and duration, alongside the expected prognosis with and without intervention. This supports quantum calculations for future losses.
Need a clinical psychology
trauma report for your case?
Send a brief case summary — claimant details, index event, procedural stage, and any deadlines — and our chambers will confirm expert availability, scope, and timescales within one working day.