Expertise

The role of an expert physician is to give an independent medical opinion in a medico-legal, insurance or administrative context.

Its main role is toobjectively assess the person's state of health ,analyze medical documents andissue a report based on medical science.

The medical expert has no therapeutic link with the person and acts in theabsence of any conflict of interest.

Declaration concerning the execution of an expert's mission (article 235 C. p.c.)

I declare that I will carry out my mission as an expert with objectivity, impartiality and rigor. In order to assist the court in making its decision, I will give an opinion to the best of my ability on the points submitted to me, taking into account the facts relating to the dispute or, if my services are required as a bailiff, I will draw up a report describing the material facts or situations that I have personally observed.

Upon request, I will inform the court and the parties of my professional qualifications, the progress of my work and, where applicable, any instructions I have received from a party. I will respect the deadlines given to me and, if necessary, ask the court for the instructions required to complete my mission.

Have you been called in for a forensic examination?

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your meeting:

• you will be met alone

• bring copies of any documents you consider relevant

• be punctual and rested

• be honest and precise

• answer questions simply and briefly

• remain calm and courteous

Rest assured that the expert's role is to be neutral, that there are no trick questions, and that every question he or she asks is motivated by a medical reason.

It's normal that you don't understand the reason for each question, that you're unsure of certain answers or that you've forgotten details. Don't let these things stress you out unduly.

All forensic evaluations are subject to total confidentiality.

The expert report belongs to the client, and the expert physician may not pass it on to anyone else.

By law, anyone who has undergone an expert examination can obtain a copy of the report from the person or organization who commissioned the examination. The expert physician may not forward the report directly to the person who has undergone the expertise - unless that person has commissioned the expertise.

Here's how a forensic examination usually works:

• The doctor introduces himself, explains the context of the meeting, his role and obtains your verbal and/or written consent.

• The doctor reviews the history of the mandate with you

• The physician reviews with you the medical records relevant to his analysis.

• The doctor carries out a medical examination specific to the needs of the mandate

The medical expert is not there to treat you or suggest courses of action.

The medical expert is not a representative of the employer or the union: he or she acts as a neutral professional who must give an opinion based on medical science.