Psychiatric expert witness fees and timescales
Fees are quoted in writing before work begins, and the quotation holds for the instruction as described in the letter of instruction. The tables below set out the basis of charge for each report type, the indicative turnaround from receipt of complete records, and the terms that apply to cancellation, travel, attendance and payment.
Fee basis and indicative turnaround
| Report type | Basis of charge | Indicative turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Condition and prognosis report (personal injury) | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: fixed fee or hourly rate] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks from complete records |
| PTSD or complex trauma report | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks from complete records |
| Addiction psychiatry report | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks from complete records |
| Capacity or testamentary capacity opinion | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks; urgent capacity work by arrangement |
| Clinical negligence (breach of duty and causation) | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: hourly rate, records review charged separately] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks |
| Fitness to practise / regulatory health assessment | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks |
| Criminal, family or immigration report | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] weeks; court deadlines accommodated where possible |
| Supplementary report or addendum on further records | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: hourly rate] | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] |
| Joint report or expert meeting with opposing expert | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: hourly rate] | By arrangement |
| Consultation with counsel | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: hourly rate] | By arrangement |
| Attendance at proof, tribunal or hearing | [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: daily rate, half-day rate and travel] | Diet dates to be reserved in advance |
Turnaround runs from receipt of the complete records, not from the date of instruction. Where a deadline is fixed by the court, confirm it at enquiry stage so availability can be checked before the instruction is accepted.
Cancellation, travel, Legal Aid and VAT
- Records review
- [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: whether records review is included in the report fee or charged at an hourly rate, and any page threshold.]
- Cancellation — assessment
- [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] notice required. Cancellation inside that period is charged at [CLIENT TO CONFIRM].
- Cancellation — proof or hearing
- Reserved diets cancelled with less than [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] notice are charged at [CLIENT TO CONFIRM].
- Non-attendance by the examinee
- Charged at [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] where the appointment is not cancelled in time.
- Travel outside Greater Glasgow
- [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: mileage or travel time basis]. Remote assessment avoids travel charges where clinically suitable.
- Payment terms
- Fees are payable by the instructing agent within [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] days of invoice, whatever the outcome of the action.
- Legal Aid / SLAB
- [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: whether Legal Aid rates are accepted, and whether prior sanction is required before work begins.]
- VAT
- [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: VAT registration status and whether fees are quoted net of VAT.]
How the timetable usually runs
Enquiry to acceptance. The conflict check and a written fee quotation are normally returned within [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] working days of the enquiry.
Acceptance to appointment. Typical lead time for an assessment appointment is [CLIENT TO CONFIRM]. Remote appointments are usually available sooner than in-person diets outside Glasgow.
Assessment to report. The report follows within [CLIENT TO CONFIRM] of the assessment, provided all records have been received.
Expedited work is accepted where diary space allows, on the terms set out above. To check current availability, call 07739 587092 or use the enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the turnaround period begin?
- Turnaround runs from receipt of the complete records agreed at instruction, not from the date the instruction itself was accepted. Where records arrive in stages, the clock starts once the final agreed item is received; see the schedule above for indicative timescales by report type.
- What happens if the case settles before the report is delivered?
- The fee remains payable by the instructing agent for work already carried out or completed, whatever the outcome of the action. Where work has not yet begun, the agent should notify the practice promptly so the appointment can be released; see letter of instruction for how instructions are confirmed.
- Are fees charged if the person does not attend?
- Non-attendance is charged in accordance with the cancellation terms confirmed at instruction, unless the appointment is cancelled with sufficient notice. See the terms above for the notice periods that apply to assessments and to reserved diets; see also the assessment for what happens if the examinee is unwell on the day.
- Is a fee estimate provided before instruction is accepted?
- Yes, a written fee quotation is returned alongside confirmation of the conflict position and an indicative timetable, before any work begins. This allows the instructing agent to confirm the basis of charge with their client or funder before committing to the instruction; see instructing for the acceptance process.
Instructing Dr Qureshi
Instructions are accepted from pursuer and defender agents, insurers, regulatory bodies and occupational health providers. A conflict check is carried out before any instruction is accepted.
Or call 07739 587092.