can you take a solicitor to your assessment?

I've been reading some very disturbing stories about ATOS assessments: how they don't let you record your assessment, how you're secretly filmed in the waiting room and the film used as evidence of your capabilities, how they use chairs with no arms so that if you can sit on them without overbalancing, that's held as evidence against you, etc, etc.

It's got me thinking: one way to discourage people from bullying you and ignoring your legal rights is to have a solicitor present (if you can afford, it of course).

Can ATOS prevent you from doing this?

Hi Annie

You are entitled to be accompanied by another person who takes notes. I don't know if ATOS would object to being accompanied by a solicitor on a professional basis but there is no requirement to tell the HCP that it's a solicitor.

As far as I know they cannot prevent a solicitor being with you at a medical but ATOS does seem to be a law unto themselves!

Regards

Derek

Annie not sure about a Solicitor but when i had my Appeal i had my care coordinator present with me from the Mental Health Team. I was only in the room for less than 5 mins and found the Judge & Doctor very nice & understanding. Couldn't believe after 10 months of stress & worry & ending up in a Psychiatric Unit for 5 months that it was over within a few minuets.

Hi Annie,

I can't think of any grounds on which a solicitor could reasonably be prevented from attending your medical.

It's definitely a good idea to take someone with you, though I think any reasonably assertive friend or relative would do just as well as a solicitor.

However, whilst I'm sure that some Atos waiting rooms do have security cameras, I have never come across video of claimants in waiting rooms being used as evidence in an appeal.

Steve