A medico-legal assessment is generally requested when an independent doctor’s opinion (outside of a claimant’s treating team) is required from an insurer or other legal pathway. The psychiatric report can be used in relation to compensation for work-related stress, after a traumatic event (such as an accident), eligibility for return to work, or as evidence in civil court case.

The psychiatric assessment is used to establish a link between the trauma/stressor reported, and the psychological condition and extent of emotional impairment to the claimant.