Information for Attorneys
Independent Psychiatric
Examination
Discuss the case by telephone first:
Before scheduling an examination Dr. Edwards prefers that
you discuss your needs and the legal issues involved in the
case. There is no charge for this preliminary consultation.
Dr. Edwards will provide an opinion based on the issues and
facts you present. Based on this you may decide to have him
review records or schedule an examination. You may decide
that the opinion will not be useful in which case Dr. Edwards
may be able to "play devil's advocate" to assist in
predicting the arguments of the opposition. This is also the
time to make sure there is no conflict of roles, loyalty or interest
that might result if, for example, Dr. Edwards has already
been retained by the other side. He may be unable to tell you
the reason that he cannot accept a case.
Types of cases:
Dr. Edwards cases involving civil and criminal matters. He works on cases
involving:
- marital dissolution
- testamentary capacity
- medical malpractice
- disability accommodation
- workplace harassment
- workmen's compensation
- personal injury
- professional impairment and licensing
- insanity defense
- competency to stand trial
Fees and payment:
If you decide to use his services, Dr. Edwards will send
you a retainer agreement which lists all fees. This must be
signed and returned with a retainer. The attorney rather than
the subject must accept responsibility for payment.
Information the doctor can use:
Written information you should consider asking Dr.
Edwards to review may include medical records, military
records, depositions, and personnel records. Dr. Edwards may
also want to interview by telephone or in the office
relatives, coworkers or other individuals who know the
subject.
Preparing the subject:
To avoid refusal to be examined or other delays at the
time of the examination, please inform the subject (and
subject's counsel) of what to expect. The examination may
last most of a day. The subject will be asked to sign an authorization for
release of medical information before the
examination begins. The subject will probably be asked to
complete an MMPI II at the office. Whether and by whom the
subject will be accompanied should be agreed upon before the
day of the examination. Whether the examination will be
recorded or video taped should be agreed upon before the day
of the examination.
The Report:
After the collection of information and the examination
itself Dr. Edwards will discuss his opinion with you. If you
wish to use his opinion, he prefers to prepare a formal
report documenting the opinion and its basis in an organized
fashion.
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