Neurology – How does it help your case?
Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, and has many applications across the field of Criminal law. These can range from assessing fitness to stand in court and take part in proceedings, to assessing the impacts and consequences of head impact trauma.
Neurologists can physically examine your client and identify any issues associated with brain injury or damage that may have an impact on the outcome of your case. These include investigations into the causes of memory loss, causes of blackouts, and long term ailments such as epilepsy or stroke.
From serious assaults and murders, to blackouts and falling asleep at the wheel, Neurologists are able to assist in these cases by assessing any potential brain injuries and the implications that any injury may have in answering the questions posed by your case.
Working in conjunction with Clarity you can access any specialism of Neurology at legal aid rates, with reports delivered on time and on budget. Working with some of the largest law firms across the UK, we ensure access to Neurologists that are leaders within their field.
With nationwide coverage, we typically provide Neurologists that can address questions that involve:
· Head injuries – Either recent or historical, our experts will assess a client to ascertain the severity of a head injury, as well as be able to report on its long term effects, and advise on how these can be treated and mitigated in court.
· Memory Loss and blackouts – It is possible that a defendants or victims statement claims that there is no memory of the offence taking place. Neurological issues may be at play here, and a neurologist can assess the client in person, and ascertain if there are any neurological issues, such as a recent blow to the head or an epilepsy related blackout, that may have caused memory loss or a blackout.
· Epilepsy – Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In cases that involve potential blackouts, the possibility of epileptic attacks at the time of the offence needs to be addressed. These questions are addressed by a Neurologist.
· Effects of stroke – The effects of stroke upon a person can be devastating, and may have an impact on a persons ability to commit the alleged offence, and can also have significant implications on a persons ability to take part in court proceedings. The patient can be assessed by a Neurologist, enabling them to report on the severity of a stroke, and the implications for the patients’ health.
· Fitness to stand trial – A defendant or witness that is required to take part in court proceedings must be healthy enough to take part without it causing any adverse health effects. The ability to stand trial can often be affected by neurological conditions that can include stroke and its long term effects, as well as any health issues caused by head injuries. A neurologist can attend a patient in person to assess any neurological issues and advise the court on whether a patient can stand trial, and what treatment and mitigation would be needed to facilitate their attendance at court.
Assessment
The neurologists at Clarity are adept at assessing patients in any setting from the comfort of their own home, to attendance in prisons. With this service available across the UK, we ensure that your clients’ needs can be addressed.
Experience
All experts at Clarity have experience in high level and complex criminal law cases, and can produce reports in cases ranging from murder and sexual offences, to arson and road traffic accidents. The Neurologists at Clarity also provide the full range of neurological services to criminal law firms, and can provide full physical assessments, as well as treatment plans to the court.
Benefits
The benefits to the case are that that all Neurologists at Clarity are court ready and have extensive experience in delivering their reports in a hostile court setting, while under intense scrutiny by the opposing barrister, and with the expert at all times being impartial, unbiased, and totally independent from outside interference allowing for a full and balanced report based solely on the facts.
If you require a Neurologist, or would like some advice on which Neurologist would be best for your case, please contact our team and we will be able to help.
