MediVisuals’ average cost for illustrations on an exhibit is ~ $750. However, because there can be tremendous variations in the time and effort required to develop different illustrations, there is a wide range in the costs. The typical range is ~ $395 to $1200.
The number and complexity of the illustrations determines the time required to develop them. Typically, illustrations can be created in just a few days when absolutely necessary, but it is far better to contact MediVisuals approximately three or more weeks before a final illustration is needed (further ahead for more complex cases).
Avoiding the last-minute is highly recommended because of the many delays or problems that are seldom anticipated but frequently occur, including:
- missing imaging studies that may take considerable time to acquire
- missing documents that may take considerable time to acquire
- unavailability of counsel to approve proposals or drafts
- unavailability of testifying or treating physicians to approve proposals or drafts
- weather delays interfering with delivery of final products
Many snowflakes look the same until they are closely examined to reveal that each one is unique. Similarly, the more closely an individual’s specific anatomy, injuries, and surgeries are examined, the less likely it is that a visual accurately representing those detailed specifics has already been created. Whenever possible, MediVisuals will recommend stock exhibits that correspond closely with your client’s specific issues. They will advise you of subtle changes that could be made in the stock images to make them correspond more closely with your client. Images that are “close enough” might be suitable for use in settlement or mediation, but not close enough for use in trial. You can then decide whether the expense involved in making the changes is worthwhile in your specific situation.
Faster and more affordable computer hardware and software have significantly reduced the cost of animations. MediVisuals strives to create cost-effective animations with an optimal cost-to-benefit ratio. Although animations can be developed in a variety of ways that could involve a wide range of time and effort and vary in cost from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, most of the animations developed by MediVisuals fall in a cost range between $7,000 and $15,000. It is recommended that you have a budget in mind when first discussing an animation, and one of our visual consultants can tell you if an effective animation can be created within that budget. Whether developed by MediVisuals or by another provider, a custom animation that costs less than $6,000 will likely not be very effective. Therefore, effective and case-specific illustrations should be considered over an ineffective animation.
The time involved to develop animations is determined by the scope (primarily the complexity and length) of the animation. It is best to allow six to eight weeks for the development of a typical custom animation.
The most efficient way to get visuals is to simply call MediVisuals (866) 985-4347 and speak with a Visual Consultant about your case. After a brief discussion, they can tell you what records and other reference materials will help them develop a proposal and visuals for your case. Start a case review online now by clicking here.
There seem to be two general approaches to investing effort and money to resolve cases. . . 1) those who avoid investing in their cases until it becomes apparent they can’t settle them, and 2) those who invest in their cases in order to settle them. Those who invest in their cases early typically resolve them earlier and with results that offset additional expenses many times over. Development of case-specific exhibits and use of those exhibits in personal injury demand packages, settlement hearings, or mediations are very persuasive. Another options is to have MediVisuals provide stock images (either as-is or slightly modified) to generally demonstrate injuries and invasive procedures. Stock images can also be very effective in settling a case. If a settlement is not reached, case specific exhibits can still be developed for trial.
The illustrators and consultants at MediVisuals enjoy the opportunity to meet directly with attorneys and experts, and would welcome face-to-face meetings. However, the truth is face-to-face meetings generally do not result in saving time or creating a better product. In fact, in most situations, face-to-face meetings require more time from you, your expert, and MediVisuals’ staff than addressing the same issues by phone, the internet, or overnight delivery services. To save time and expenses, it is generally encouraged that you first try to discuss your case remotely. Then, if it becomes apparent that a face-to-face meeting might be of significant benefit, one can be arranged.
The procedure to allow images to be admitted as demonstrative evidence involves asking the testifying expert or treating physician two basic questions:
1) “Is this a fair and accurate depiction of the plaintiff’s injuries, surgery, etc.?,” and
2) “Will these images help you to explain your testimony?”
The pursuit of justice requires examination of the truth. This includes images that truthfully represent injuries or surgeries. In personal injury cases, defense counsel is expected to object to any exhibits that truthfully demonstrate injuries. To fairly pursue justice and present the truth, objections must be fought and overcome.
Different jurisdictions and even different judges within the same jurisdiction may have varying opinions regarding what is too “inflammatory” or too “prejudicial”. MediVisuals’ illustrators create illustrations that approach reality but never exceed the inflammatory or prejudicial response that an actual photograph would evoke. Testifying experts are occasionally asked if the amount of blood portrayed by MediVisuals is accurate, and the typical reply is, “No, the bleeding was much worse.”
If you have concerns about how truthfully the amount of blood, the injuries, or the surgeries are represented in illustrations, simply notify MediVisuals in the beginning of the process and less realistic images can be created.
MediVisuals does not have an M.D. on staff. They are highly trained medical illustrators with master’s degrees from accredited graduate programs (there are currently only four accredited graduate programs in North America: see ami.org). Each illustrator has medical school training and can work with your treating physicians or testifying experts. There is no need for an on-staff M.D. Other companies boast of on-staff physicians, but their need for one generally speaks volumes about the training and knowledge of their illustrators.
MediVisuals does affiliate with expert neuro-radiologists and radiologists who provide affidavits for 3D Precision Diagnostics to facilitate the CT/MRI videos’ admittance as evidence in court.
There are numerous problems and additional costs associated with impractical turnaround times. Some of these include:
- compromises in accuracy or quality (many companies farm out rush cases, overwork employeesleading to errors that there is no time to correct, or use unqualified illustrators in rush situations)
- additional stress on you, your experts, and MediVisuals’ staff
- additional late night and weekend efforts for you, your experts, and MediVisuals’ staff
- the cost of additional MediVisuals’ staff (more fulltime employees who are only needed when short-turnaround cases require them) Most reputable companies in virtually all service areas charge Priority Service or Rush Fees, because they refuse to compromise their products. Rush or priority fees are the only mechanism available to motivate clients to provide the time needed to develop a quality product. Without these fees, a majority of cases might come in as rush jobs, resulting in compromised quality or clients being denied service because all illustrators are busy with existing rush jobs.
Companies who do not charge these fees are too willing to compromise quality and unfairly divide the additional expense among their clients who do provide adequate turnaround times.