Recovery of brain damaged patients at risk from delays and lack of resources
- 05.03.2020
- JessicaMG
- Clinical-negligence
Senior brain injury solicitors across the UK claim there are delays and a lack of resources within the brain injury rehabilitation sector, according to research carried out by Exchange Chambers and Calvert Reconnections.
Failure to respond
Brain injury partners at law firms across the country were surveyed, with almost 90% of which claiming that defence solicitors are failing to respond to requests for clients to access brain injury rehabilitation services within a 21-day period, citing delays and early resistance as ongoing issues.
Those surveyed added that they believe the greatest advance in the sector over the last three years has been the improvements to communication between brain injury solicitors and insurers.
Expert witness reports crucial
As serious injury solicitors, we understand how crucial a role expert witness reports and testimony have in setting out the correct neurorehabilitation requirements for clients who have experienced a brain or spinal cord injury. When claimant solicitors were asked about their experiences over the last year, 88% said defence solicitors did not respond to rehabilitation requests within 21 days, while 68% of respondents had experienced a refusal to accept recommendations of the Initial Needs Assessment.
Head of Exchange Chambers, Bill Braithwaite QC, said: “Delay to rehabilitation is hugely damaging to anyone who has suffered a brain injury. Sensible dialogue on both sides would improve the problem as rehabilitation will only work at its best if both sides enter into it voluntarily.”