Report Charges - Dr M W M Upton Ltd

Because of the nature of the highly complex neuropsychiatric cases I am involved in - which can involve very substantial quantities of detailed material and opinions to read, examine, cross reference and integrate into reports and supplemental reports - it is not possible to give any sensible estimates for the costs of reports without first studying the nature of the case and the nature and extent of documentation that I am asked to examine. I have no control on the demands made of my time.

Costs, including travel from base, are then all based on my current hourly rate (as on terms and conditions).

I can however give an illustration of recent costs of cases of claimed brain injury which may guide the Court. This shows the variation. The upper levels are less usual but would typically reflect travel or/and large amounts of detailed material to consider. Very frequently I am asked to re-examine a claimant a number of times and very frequently I have to produce numerous supplemental reports as new material is sent through to examine.

• ​Examination and report: 10-22 hours – rarer outliers have reached 30 hours

• Re-examination: 6-20 hours

• Part 35 questions: 0.5-6 hours

• Report from notes without examination: 0.25-12 hours

• Review of reports, witness statements, medical notes to produce supplemental reports: 0.25-12 hours

• Joint Meeting of Experts: 3-14 hours

• Conference with Counsel: 2-10 hours

• Trial: hourly rate plus any additional preparation time and travel time and costs.

Please note all fees are subject to and quoted exclusive of VAT at the standard rate.

The contract is with the instructing solicitor and fees are payable in full regardless of any later taxation or cost control measures by the Court.

Cancellation fees for non-attendance on the day are set at a high level to reflect the impossibility of rebooking the reserved clinic appointment, and hence total loss of all income associated with the reserved clinic date and subsequent reporting (e.g. comparable to failing to turn up to a flight or any other event where the service provider will be unable to recoup the lost income from having reserved the time). This fee will apply to all failures to attend a clinic with no prior warning, with the exception of a genuine and unforeseen occurrence. Cancellation fees are much lower, or may not apply at all, if sufficient prior warning is given so that there is an opportunity to attempt to refill the clinic spot. Non-attendance by Claimant with no prior notice £2000; with 5 working days notice £1500 (unless appointment can be re-allocated - then no charge). I have only had to charge cancellation fees twice in 10 years.

My base is Taunton.

Where there is Court imposed restriction on total fees for a given case, or where an estimate has been given by the solicitors to the Court, the instructing solicitors must indicate what the total fee cap or estimate is and provide indication during the progress of the case sums remaining.