How I Work with Attorneys

Clarity Early in the Case.
Defensibility When It Matters.

Attorneys don’t need volume—they need clarity, credibility, and early direction.

My role is to provide objective, evidence-informed analysis of chiropractic and neuromusculoskeletal care, grounded in over three decades of clinical practice, regulatory experience, and guideline development.

I approach each engagement with a focus on efficiency, accessibility, and defensibility—helping counsel determine, as early as possible, whether a case should move forward.

Initial Attorney Contact (No Charge)

I am readily available by phone for a brief, no-charge consultation to determine:

  • Whether the case falls within my scope of expertise
  • Whether there are any conflicts or limitations
  • Whether my background aligns with your needs

This initial conversation is intended to be accessible and efficient—you should be able to reach me, not schedule weeks out.

Important:
This discussion is limited to qualifications and case fit only.
I do not review records or offer opinions on case specifics at this stage.

Preliminary Case Review (1.5 Hours – No Commitment Required)

For early case evaluation, I offer a focused 1.5-hour introductory review.

Purpose:

  • Provide a high-level, objective assessment
  • Identify strengths, vulnerabilities, and gaps in the record
  • Assist in determining whether further expert involvement is warranted

Structure:

  • Fixed 1.5-hour review (prepaid)
  • Verbal or brief written summary (your preference)
  • No obligation to proceed beyond this stage

This allows you to efficiently vet a case before committing additional resources.

Formal Engagement

If the case proceeds, I provide:

  • Comprehensive medical record review
  • Chronology and documentation analysis
  • Standard of care and medical necessity opinions
  • Identification of adherence to—or deviation from—published guidelines
  • Written reports suitable for disclosure
  • Deposition and trial testimony, when required

All opinions are independent, clearly articulated, and defensible.

Communication & Availability

  • I maintain direct phone availability for attorneys throughout the engagement
  • Calls are scheduled promptly, and I make a point to remain accessible as issues evolve
  • Written work is structured to be clear, usable, and strategically relevant

My objective is to serve as a practical extension of your case strategy, not simply a reviewer.

Turnaround Times

  • Preliminary Review (1.5-hour offering): Typically within 3–5 business days
  • Full Record Review / Reports: Typically 2–3 weeks, depending on scope and volume

For time-sensitive matters, expedited review may be available at 1.5× standard rates, scheduling permitting.

Fee Structure

Fees are structured to be transparent, predictable, and consistent with industry standards:

  • Initial Case Screening: Typically 1.5 hours (prepaid)
  • Record Review & Consultation: $350/hour
  • Report Preparation: Billed hourly or as a flat fee depending on scope and complexity
  • Deposition Testimony: $600/hour (3-hour minimum; prepaid)
  • Trial Testimony: $700/hour (half-day minimums apply)

A retainer is required prior to full case review and is applied toward billed services.

Travel Time and Expenses

When travel is required, time spent in transit is billed at a reduced rate of $100/hour.

Reasonable and customary travel expenses—including airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and meals—are billed at cost. For matters requiring travel, estimated travel time and expenses may be requested in advance.

Scheduling Policy

Depositions and trial appearances require a minimum of five (5) business days’ cancellation notice.

Late cancellations may be subject to billing for reserved time that cannot be reassigned.

Professional Approach

My work is informed by:

  • Over three decades of active clinical practice
  • Prior service as a state regulatory board chairman
  • Experience evaluating standard of care, documentation, and utilization issues across a wide range of cases
  • Participation in the development of multiple published clinical practice guidelines

This perspective reflects both clinical reality and regulatory expectation—a combination that is often critical in litigation.

What You Can Expect

  • Objective, unbiased analysis
  • Early identification of case strengths and weaknesses
  • Clear, defensible opinions
  • Professional and credible testimony when required

Closing

If you are evaluating a case involving chiropractic care, documentation quality, or medical necessity, I am available to help you determine—early and efficiently—whether the facts support your position.

Why Retain Cogent Consulting?

Why Retain Cogent Consulting?

Dr. Bennett is a former regulatory board chairman with more than three decades of clinical experience and extensive adjudicatory leadership. He has reviewed and adjudicated hundreds of chiropractic regulatory issues.

Cogent Chiropractic Consulting

Cogent Chiropractic Witness