Case Reviews

A medical expert witness working within the chambers will review the medical records and provide an overview of a particular case. These Case Reviews are designed to give solicitors guidance in assessing the merits of a case. Each review will come with a recommendation:

1. No case to answer, or
2. Clear evidence suggesting negligence, or
3. Insufficient information to arrive at a safe conclusion, recommend more detailed analysis.

Preliminary Case Assessments

Preliminary Case Assessments (PCAs) are prepared by one of the medical expert witnesses working within the chambers under the direct supervision of the head of chambers. PCAs include a detailed chronology, case summary and expert opinion. They are designed to allow solicitors not only to assess the merits of a medical negligence claim but also to obtain after-the-event insurance. They are not suitable for disclosure to the other party. However, after a positive PCA has been prepared and a full report requested, the cost of the PCA will be deducted from the final fee.

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Liability and Causation Reports

A full and detailed Liability and Causation report for medical negligence cases is prepared to comply with Part 35 CPR and is suitable for disclosure. Each report contains:

• the expert’s curriculum vitae,
• list of documents from which the report was prepared,
• detailed past medical history of the claimant/defendant,
• full chronology of events leading up to and including the event in question,
• case summary
• detailed and logically ordered opinion
• summary of conclusions.

The cost of these medical negligence reports on liability and causation depends on the amount of work involved. On receipt of the documents we will be able to give you a more precise fee estimate. We usually complete these reports within four weeks of receiving the documentation and solicitors’ authorisation to proceed.

Condition and Prognosis Reports

A full condition and prognosis report prepared using documentation provided in a similar format to a liability and causation report but including a full examination of the client and analysis of their current condition and prognosis. Life expectancy and special requirements can also be addressed.

On receipt of the documents we will be able to give you a more precise fee estimate. We usually complete these reports within four weeks of receiving the documentation and solicitors’ authorisation to proceed.

Joint Instruction Report

We are happy to provide joint instruction reports for medical negligence cases, receiving instruction from both the claimant and defendant. These are usually required for current condition and prognosis reports; they can be prepared to deal with liability and causation but in general solicitors prefer to obtain their own separate reports.

Coroner’It is widely recognised that many of the functions carried out by coroners require the exercise of medical judgement. Members of Chambers are able to assist coroners by providing independent expert coroner’s reports into the circumstances surrounding a death, so as to highlight the issues and help the coroner decide whether an investigation is warranted. We can provide a general overview or a specific medical opinion.

Joint Instruction Report

We are happy to provide joint instruction reports for medical negligence cases, receiving instruction from both the claimant and defendant. These are usually required for current condition and prognosis reports; they can be prepared to deal with liability and causation but in general solicitors prefer to obtain their own separate reports.

Risk Assessment

A number of expert witnesses have worked with the chambers in risk assessment. Many of these experts have experience in other industries including the airline industry and have looked at events or procedures to assess risk. Attempts at risk reductions have been employed in a number of incidences and members of the chambers are always willing to look at specific problems and advise.

Medical Negligence Seminars
Seminars/In-house meetings for continuing professional development.

Members of the Chambers are available to speak at medical negligence seminars/in-house meetings as part of solicitors’ continuing professional development. These seminars can deal with various aspects of clinical negligence, such as general surgery complications, MRSA claims or blood clots. The expert witness speakers include lawyers and clinicians.

Seminars can be arranged for individual firms of solicitors, groups of solicitors or medico-legal conferences organised by solicitors.

MedicoLegal Training

All members of the chambers are available to take part in medicolegal training exercises. Training can involve courses or individual mentoring. Experts working within the chambers will have demonstrated the ability to prepare reports that conform to Part 35 CPR. All experts are trained to understand their duties with regard to the preparation of reports and their role as a court expert.