Jessica Thurston, Care/Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
MSc Occupational Therapy, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, MEWI
Specialisms
Upper & Lower Limb Amputees, Trauma & Orthopaedics, Erb's Palsy & Brachial Plexus, General & Vascular Surgery & Medicine for the Elderly
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Professional Experience
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1994 and specialised in the field of adult physical disability including trauma and orthopaedics, medicine for the elderly and general surgery. Since 1996 I have developed a particular interest in poly trauma and amputee management (upper and lower limb) and in the management of the limb deficient child and adult. I have considerable experience of working with individuals who have lost limbs secondary to meningoccocal septicaemia. I also have extensive experience of upper and lower limb prosthetics and the application of these to function.
I joined Somek and Associates in 2002 as an Occupational therapy / Care Expert and I have written many reports for medico-legal purposes, and have been instructed by claimant, defendant and as a single joint expert. I have undertaken a considerable number of assignments relating to personal injury and clinical negligence cases in respect of Care, Occupational Therapy reports and Loss of Service / Dependency and wrongful birth claims.
In 2008, I was employed as a Medico-legal Associate Trainer and in this role I was involved in running training courses for Somek and Associates experts. In 2010, I assumed the position of Medico-legal Services Manager and subsequently Head of Medico-legal Operations. In these roles I held responsibility for the operational and quality assurance aspects of the company.
In 2024, I assumed the position of Managing Director. I currently contribute to the ‘Facts and Figures’ tables used in damage calculations and mentor junior experts through training programmes beyond S & A e.g. for the Expert Witness Institute, helping shape the next generation of high-calibre expert witnesses. I also work alongside the Royal College of Occupational Therapy to raise the professional standards of care and OT expert witnesses.
Professional Development
I maintain my knowledge and skills in amputee and prosthetic management through attending updates and training, and through my membership of the special interest group for occupational therapists working in prosthetics.
Medico Legal Experience
I am passionate about maintaining the independence and integrity of the expert witness role. I accept instruction from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses. I have given oral evidence in court on a number of occasions and have been highly recommended by both Claimant and Defendant lawyers and counsel.