NRC Medical Experts provide medico-legal life expectancy reports for a range of cases such as, following a traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury (e.g. resulting from stroke or cardiac arrest) birth injury, post-natal injury and cases of prolonged disorders of consciousness or coma.

Life expectancy is defined as an estimate of the number of years an individual is expected to survive, based on the individual’s age and other factors like gender and birth year. 

British legal systems now rely on Periodical Payment Orders (PPOs) with agreed sums to be paid for life, no matter how short or long that life may be. However, an estimate of life expectancy continues to be essential in many medico-legal cases. This need arises when the calculation of compensation is required – whether to claim compensation, fund neurorehabilitation or fund lifetime care.

NRC Medical Experts are experienced in considering the many variables when coming to a life expectancy estimate, particularly in someone with a severe disability.

Life expectancy reports take into account five main causes of neurological impairment that significantly impact life expectancy. These are an individual’s mobility, swallowing, epilepsy, continence and cognitive function. The medical expert will consider the severity of each and the impact on their life. Also considered are secondary health conditions and lifestyle factors such as obesity.

The life expectancy of an individual increases as they move beyond childhood, which has a higher mortality rate. Females tend to have a higher life expectancy than males. There is also variation in lifespan between different countries, for instance, Japan and Switzerland have been reported to have the highest life expectancy while the lowest is recorded in African countries. These are mainly attributed to the difference in the countries access to health care, job opportunities and diet.

While a great many factors contribute to a reduction in life expectancy and increased mortality, a longer life does not necessarily mean a healthier life. The leading cause of death and disability in the world today are neurological disorders. Ironically, one of the main reasons for the increase in neurological disorders is longer life expectancy. When people live longer, they are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases.

According to multiple studies, the best predictor of reduced life span is decreased mobility. This is mostly due to the increased risk of developing pressure sores in immobile patients. Decreased feeding, tube feeding, and incontinence are other contributing factors for higher mortality.

Life expectancy can be unreliable and difficult science – and is often considered an art, instead. However, it is still essential in medico-legal cases, especially in scenarios of cerebral palsy and traumatic neurological injuries.

Every NRC Medical Expert is recruited to rigorous stands, receives extensive training and every report is checked by our Head Office team before it reaches you.

Condition & Prognosis Reports

Condition and prognosis reports provide the courts with an expert view of an individual. taking into account the impact of a neurological injury.

Causation Reports

A causation report might include an exploration of the care or interventions an individual should have received for the best outcome.

Appoint a medical expert witness specialising in life expectancy

To appoint an expert witness for your case, request a call back or contact us directly.