What does it take to become an Occupational Therapy Expert Witness?

For many experienced clinicians, the possibility of providing independent expert opinion in personal injury and clinical negligence cases may seem far removed from their everyday clinical practice.

However, the skills developed throughout an occupational therapy career, including detailed assessment, clinical reasoning, evidence-based decision-making and understanding the functional consequences of injury, provide an important foundation for this specialist work.

At Stand F03 at The OT Show 2026, Harrison Associates will be helping Occupational Therapists understand what Expert Witness work involves, the professional standards expected and how to explore this potential career pathway.

Turning Clinical Experience into Independent Expert Opinion

Expert Witness work requires clinicians to apply their specialist knowledge to questions arising within legal proceedings.

For Occupational Therapists, this may involve assessing an individual's functional abilities, rehabilitation requirements, equipment needs, accommodation adaptations, care requirements and long-term support.

In quantum reporting, an expert considers the consequences of injury and provides a reasoned opinion on the support and interventions that may be required.

For those with appropriate specialist experience, breach of duty work may involve examining clinical records, professional standards and decisions made during the delivery of care.

An Expert Witness must remain objective and independent, with an overriding duty to the court. Clinical expertise must therefore be supported by clear reasoning, appropriate evidence and an understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules.

A Career That Can Continue to Develop

Expert Witness work can provide opportunities for intellectual challenge, professional growth and the continued application of clinical expertise.

Kat, a long-standing Harrison Associates associate, values the analytical demands of the work, including problem-solving, report writing and applying holistic assessment skills to complex situations.

Her experience demonstrates how Expert Witness work can complement an established clinical career.

Tracy's journey offers another perspective. For her, Expert Witness work provided a new professional challenge, with training, guidance and flexible working arrangements helping her develop professionally while balancing commitments outside work.

These experiences illustrate that Expert Witness practice does not necessarily require clinicians to leave their existing professional roles.

Meet Joanne Lowe at The OT Show

Joanne Lowe, Expert Witness Services Lead at Harrison Associates, will be at Stand F03 at The OT Show to speak with Occupational Therapists interested in understanding this specialist area.

With nearly 30 years of clinical and medico-legal experience, Joanne leads the development and oversight of Harrison Associates' Expert Witness panel, maintaining standards of report quality, clinical reasoning and compliance.

Her clinical experience includes orthopaedic trauma, amputations, complex physical conditions and long-term disability.

As a practising Expert Witness and full member of the Expert Witness Institute, Joanne brings direct experience of the responsibilities, challenges and professional expectations involved.

Visitors will be able to discuss the different types of Expert Witness instructions, the importance of working within their clinical expertise and the steps involved in developing an independent medico-legal practice.

Your Experience Could Open a New Professional Door

Harrison Associates is particularly interested in meeting Occupational Therapists with established specialist experience in areas including neurological rehabilitation, orthopaedics, amputations, spinal cord injury, paediatrics, community rehabilitation and complex disability.

If you enjoy clinical assessment, analytical thinking, evidence-based reasoning and report writing, come and meet Joanne Lowe and the Harrison Associates team at Stand F03 at The OT Show 2026.

Your experience could offer opportunities to contribute to important decisions affecting people's rehabilitation, care and future independence.

About Harrison Associates

With over 35 years of experience, Harrison Associates provides specialist Catastrophic Case Management and Expert Witness services across the UK, working with experienced healthcare professionals in personal injury and clinical negligence matters.

Website: harrison.associates