Frequently Asked Questions

The Services page lists the types of cases in which I prepare expert opinions. These cases fall within my expertise in forensic medicine and/or health insurance medicine.

Yes, for both minors and adults, in collaboration with an appropriately qualified expert and/or specialist consultant.

No. This is outside my professional competence.

If the matter is outside my field, I will say so honestly and, where possible, help you find the appropriate professional. This may be, for example:

• a healthcare mediator or patient rights representative in disputes concerning healthcare;
• a child protection or guardianship authority in matters involving children;
• the police or another investigative authority where a criminal offence is suspected;
• a lawyer or another legal professional if you primarily require legal advice;
• or a physician in another specialty or a forensic expert in another field if the question falls outside my professional competence.

In many cases, it is useful to seek an expert consultation before proceedings begin. This can help establish whether the necessary medical records and other evidence are available, whether a forensic medical expert opinion is warranted, what further documentation is needed, and which medical questions the opinion should address.

Yes. A forensic medical expert opinion is not needed in every case. During a preliminary consultation, we review the nature of the case and advise whether an expert opinion is needed or another procedure or specialist would be more appropriate.

I prepare expert opinions only in matters within my competence in forensic medicine or health insurance medicine.

It would not be responsible to answer this in advance without reviewing the complete medical records. Whether the care met the applicable professional standards can be assessed only after examining the relevant records and clinical guidelines and, where necessary, conducting an examination of the person concerned.

Contact us by phone or email. We assess every enquiry individually. If the matter falls outside forensic medical expertise, we help identify the procedure, professional or authority most likely to provide the appropriate solution.

Please send all relevant medical records relating to the case—one document per PDF, with its pages in the correct order—together with the questions you would like the expert opinion to address and the purpose for which you intend to use it.

Written consent from every parent exercising parental responsibility—both parents—is required in all cases.

You must obtain written authorisation from the person concerned permitting you to disclose their medical and other personal data to me and permitting me to access and process those data for the purpose of preparing an expert opinion. If this is not possible, the medical records may be submitted in a form anonymised by a lawyer.

Do not combine several hundred pages into a single PDF. Send one medical document per PDF, using clear, legible copies.

I use the submitted documentation solely to prepare the expert opinion. I handle health and personal data confidentially and in accordance with applicable data protection law. They may be disclosed to a third party only where required by law or with the data subject’s written consent.

A discharge summary alone is generally insufficient. A properly supported expert opinion usually requires all relevant medical records.

Yes. An expert opinion can be prepared on the basis of medical records in Hungarian or another language. If a translation is needed, we will discuss this in advance.

As a general rule, an expert opinion concerning a minor may be commissioned by the child’s legal representative or representatives. Depending on the proceedings and how parental responsibility is exercised, the consent of both parents may be required.

This always depends on how parental responsibility is exercised. Where parental responsibility is shared, both parents must consent. In the event of a dispute, we proceed in accordance with applicable law, and the involvement of a legal representative or the guardianship authority may be warranted.

Yes. Following review and assessment of the records and any expert examination required, I can answer the questions raised during an expert consultation. The client can then decide whether to request a written opinion, including where my findings do not support their position.

Yes. Any examination requiring a physical assessment of the person concerned must, however, take place in person.

As a general rule, I can prepare the expert opinion within 30 days of signing the engagement agreement or the date of the expert examination, as applicable.

Not in every case. Many cases can be assessed on the medical records alone. If an examination in person is necessary, we will let you know in advance.

Yes, where justified. An expedited opinion may be possible where there is a court deadline or another urgent circumstance. The terms are agreed individually.

There is no single general answer. The fee depends on the complexity of the case, the questions to be answered, the number of pages of medical records that must be reviewed and assessed, and the number of experts or specialist consultants who need to be involved.

For appointments by a court or other authority, Decree No. 3/1986 (II. 21.) IM on the remuneration of forensic experts applies.

Yes, in certain cases. If, following the consultation, you commission an expert opinion in the same matter, the consultation fee may be credited towards the expert fee, subject to prior agreement.

This depends on the type of proceedings and the circumstances of the case. In some civil and criminal proceedings, the fee for an expert opinion or consultation may be claimed as a cost of the proceedings. The court determines whether and how such costs may be recovered in the case; you should discuss this with your lawyer. Under the engagement agreement, the client remains responsible for paying the expert fee regardless of any subsequent recovery.

Yes. Pending criminal, civil or administrative proceedings do not, in themselves, preclude a privately commissioned expert opinion. Such an opinion does not take the place of an opinion given by an expert appointed by the court or other authority. The court or authority determines its evidential weight in the proceedings.

Yes. The purpose is to assess the existing opinion objectively against the applicable professional and methodological requirements, and to determine whether further examination or input from another specialty is needed. It is not a personal critique of the other expert.

Yes. I am available to appear in court when appointed by an authority and, where required, in proceedings involving a privately commissioned expert opinion.

No. The opinion is based on the available evidence, medical records and applicable professional standards. As an independent expert, I cannot promise that it will support either party’s position.

A forensic expert may be appointed by a court, prosecutor or other authority to address a question requiring specialist knowledge. A privately commissioned expert is engaged and paid by a party. In either capacity, the expert must follow the same professional and ethical standards. The opinion must be based on the available evidence, medical records and current scientific knowledge.

No. If there are professional concerns about an expert opinion, it may be subjected to an expert review and, where appropriate, an application may be made for the appointment of another expert. The court or authority decides questions concerning the evidence.

An expert opinion may be used, among other things, in criminal, civil and administrative proceedings; insurance and compensation claims; employment disputes; and to assist a lawyer in preparing a case or formulating a legal position.

An expert opinion is always independent. If the available evidence does not support the client’s assumption, I am equally obliged to record that conclusion. An expert’s credibility rests on objectivity and impartiality.

Yes. It may be used in disputes involving accident, life, liability and other insurance policies, as well as in the medical assessment of impairment of health or lasting disability.