About Non-Fatal Injury Evaluations:
Legal counsel and law enforcement may benefit from non-fatal injury evaluation as part of their criminal and civil cases. As a forensic pathologist, Dr. Satish Chundru can examine the records and reports available to determine whether an injury is consistent with the claims being made.
Dr. Chundru supports prosecutors, plaintiffs, defense attorneys, and law enforcement throughout the United States. Clients rely on him to guide them through highly technical medical issues. He may also participate in the case through reporting, deposition, or testimony before a jury.
Clients choose to work with Dr. Chundru based on his background and impeccable reputation in the field. He has been a practitioner for nearly 20 years and has reviewed thousands of cases over the course of his career. Dr. Chundru is one of the few Board Certified Forensic Pathologists in the country and has extensive experience, including 10 years as the deputy chief medical examiner for Fort Walton County in Austin, Texas.
Reasons for a Non-Fatal Injury Evaluation
In a criminal or civil matter, attorneys may dispute the causes for injuries sustained by a party to the case. For example, a prosecutor may claim that the defendant assaulted their client, and it may be the defense’s position that these injuries were self-inflicted. As in many legal matters, the outcome of the case may hinge on the most persuasive argument. With a non-fatal injury evaluation:
- Dr. Chundru can support attorneys in finding explanations for injuries based on science and experience or in strengthening an attorney’s argument by educating the attorney on the science. It is not uncommon that the initial interpretation of an injury by a doctor is wrong based on known science.
- Dr. Chundru will render an opinion based on scientific fact. The explanation of what could or could not have been the cause of an injury will follow from analysis of all of the resources available.
- Attorneys will be able to explain complex medical concepts in a clear and simple way. Dr. Chundru helps his clients understand the findings of a non-fatal injury evaluation and to present them to a layperson audience.
What Clients Can Expect With a Non-Fatal Injury Evaluation
As part of initial consultations, Dr. Chundru will speak with prospective clients about their case, learning about the parties involved, legal strategy, and injuries that were sustained. Attorneys frequently want to know whether the argument that they wish to make will be supported with a non-fatal injury evaluation. In some cases, Dr. Chundru can provide a yes or no answer in this preliminary discussion. In other cases, he requires further time and information to investigate.
Once a client decides to work with Dr. Chundru, he will typically review resources that include:
- Medical records.
- Laboratory reports.
- Photographs of the injuries.
- Police reports.
Dr. Chundru does not generally need to speak with the injured individual. However, there may be details that an attorney or law enforcement representative should pursue based on his analysis.
The result of Dr. Chundru’s review will be a comprehensive report. Depending on the client’s needs, he can typically deliver the report within two weeks of receiving all necessary resources. Clients may choose to combine Dr. Chundru’s non-fatal injury evaluation with other services that he offers, such as his testimony as a witness in court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a forensic pathologist prove my legal claim?
Because of the complexity of forensic analysis, Dr. Chundru usually needs to investigate the evidence before telling clients if he can substantiate their claim. However, he can often give clients an idea of what is possible based on his years of experience.
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What is the advantage of working with a forensic pathologist?
Forensic Pathologists receive specialized education that allows them to analyze injuries based on their real-world causes rather than just their physiological root cause. Dr. Chundru has extensive training in this work and can draw together findings from different resources to render an opinion.
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I'm based in a different state. Can Dr. Chundru help me?
Dr. Chundru can work with clients throughout the United States as non-fatal injury evaluation does not typically require travel. If a client would like Dr. Chundru to participate as a forensic pathology expert witness, he can often appear in person for depositions or jury trials with appropriate notice.
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Who can most benefit from a non-fatal injury evaluation?
Most often, Dr. Chundru is hired by attorneys in need of an outside opinion regarding the cause of their client’s non-fatal injury. However, an array of people can seek help from Dr. Chundru in this type of evaluation.
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What documents will Dr. Chundru need in order to evaluate my non-fatal injury case?
Once a client decides to work with Dr. Chundru, he will typically review resources that include medical records, laboratory reports, photographs of the injuries, and police reports.
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I’m an attorney for the defendant in a workplace injury case. Can Dr. Chundru provide an independent non-fatal injury evaluation to help my client?
All of Dr. Chundru’s findings are honest and based on scientific facts and careful methodology. When you meet with Dr. Chundru, be sure you fully explain what your goals are so he can tell you whether or not his services will be a good fit.
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As an attorney, will I be able to clearly explain Dr. Chundru’s medical findings so that a judge and jury will be able to understand?
Absolutely! Dr. Chundru always provides his findings in clear, understandable terms so that a layperson audience can understand.
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How quickly will I have access to Dr. Chundru’s report?
Dr. Chundru is thorough in evaluating non-fatal injuries, but he also knows that his clients’ time is valuable. He will speak with the client and determine when they need the information, and he can accommodate a few days’ turnaround time depending on the amount of material and the need for expedited review.
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What kind of experience does Dr. Chundru have?
Dr. Chundru has an impeccable reputation in the field of forensic pathology. He has been a practitioner for 19 years and has reviewed thousands of cases over the course of his career. Dr. Chundru is also one of the few board certified forensic pathologists in the country and has extensive experience, including 10 years as the deputy Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County in Austin, Texas.
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How do I get started with Dr. Chundru?
To work with Dr. Chundru and have him perform a non-fatal injury evaluation, call his office at (512) 240-1060 to schedule a consultation.
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What will happen during my initial consultation with Dr. Chundru?
As part of your initial consultation, Dr. Chundru will speak with you about your case to learn about the parties involved, legal strategy, and injuries that were sustained. As his prospective client, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about Dr. Chundru’s practice and his role as a forensic pathologist. Dr. Chundru will then be able to give you a general idea as to whether or not he will be able to help your case.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
Contact Dr. Chundru to learn about his work evaluating nonfatal injuries for criminal and civil cases. Reach him online or by calling (512) 240-1060.