Michael Chevalier (No longer accepting new instructions)

(Devon)

Occupational Therapist, Case Manager and Care Expert

Profile:

As an occupational therapist for 30 years, an expert witness for 20 years and 10 years as a case manager I am accustomed to working with complex health and legal issues requiring a high level of responsibility and independent thinking.

Qualifications:

• MPhil in Medical Sciences
• DipCOT dist.
• MA Peace Studies
• LL.B

Skills/experience:

I worked with Westcountry Case Management as an independent case manager from 2007, primarily with acquired/traumatic brain injury but also for other adults with complex health needs. I was involved in providing input for clients who required only a few hours of support each week and others with complex needs who needed a 24 hours per day package. My work included recruiting/training carers and supervising care packages, working particularly closely with team leaders to ensure that quality of care and clients’ needs were met.

As part of the Peritus Network, a small group of independent, highly experienced and reputable expert witnesses, we provide each other with informal peer support and appraisal. I have been preparing care expert witness reports since 1997. I have written over 650 reports involving a wide variety of catastrophic and complex cases, ranging from orthopaedic, head injury, fatal accidents to mesothelioma. My more recent work in acquired/traumatic brain injury over the past 10 years has equipped me to prepare reports as an expert witness in this field. My practical experience as a case manager enhances the credibility and authority of my reports for Court. I regularly attend case conferences and have given evidence in Court and appeared before tribunals. In a recent written judgement, following a 2016 High Court trial in which I gave evidence, the judge referred to me as ‘an impressive witness’.

I also have a law degree which gives me an insight and understanding of the legal process helping me to work closely with instructing solicitors and deputies.

I have stopped accepting new instructions in preparation of retirement.

Testimonials:

Recent testimonials from solicitors with whom I have worked over the years include the following remarks:

‘I confirm that his reports have been very impressive …his speed of response is excellent and his attention to detail is excellent and his willingness to take on work at short notice which may involve him travelling long distances abroad is admirable and very helpful.’ DM, Harbottle + Lewis

‘He has consistently produced extremely thorough, accurate and well balanced reports in compliance with his duty as an expert witness to the court. This has ensured that I in turn have been able to secure appropriate settlements in damages for my clients, in order to meet their care and rehabilitation needs.’ JB, Gard + Co

‘The evidence that Mr Chevalier has provided to us over the years has always been of the highest quality. The feedback from our clients regarding Mr Chevalier’s evidence is always positive. Mr Chevalier’s conduct throughout his instructions is always professional and we have not hesitated in re-instructing him to provide evidence in our clients’ cases.’ AK, Chris Kallis Solicitors

‘His reports have carefully identified the past and future care that the client has and will require. They have also assessed the aids, adaptations and other needs that the client has and will require. I have every confidence that their position will be carefully assessed by Michael and my clients have always given very positive feedback. When it comes to discussing matters with the Defence expert when preparing a joint report Michael has held his ground, making sensible concessions where appropriate.’ RS, Crosse + Crosse Solicitors

Registrations and memberships:

• The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
• British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers