Specialisms
Medical Expert Witnesses by Specialism
McCollum Consultants provides access to independent medical expert witnesses across a wide range of specialisms for clinical negligence, personal injury and other complex legal matters. Our medical experts provide independent medico-legal opinion on matters including diagnosis, treatment, standards of care, causation, condition, prognosis, life expectancy and future care and treatment needs. Experts are available for instruction by solicitors and other instructing parties in the UK and internationally.
Medical expert witnesses across a wide range of specialisms
Our network includes experienced medical experts across a broad range of clinical disciplines. This enables us to identify specialists whose clinical expertise is relevant to the particular medical issues arising in a case. Depending on the circumstances of the case, expert opinion may address causation, current condition, prognosis, future treatment, rehabilitation, care requirements and the long-term impact of injury or illness. Our medical experts prepare independent medico-legal reports for use in litigation, negotiation, mediation and court proceedings.
If you require independent medical expert opinion, contact McCollum Consultants with details of the case and the issues on which expert evidence is required. Our team can help identify an appropriately qualified medical expert witness for your instruction.
Discuss your case
What does a medical expert witness do?
A medical expert witness provides independent specialist medical opinion to assist with the medical issues in a legal matter. They may review medical records, test results, imaging and other relevant evidence, and may examine an individual where appropriate.
Depending on the instruction, the expert may prepare a medico-legal report, respond to questions from the instructing party, participate in discussions with other experts and provide oral evidence in court or before a tribunal. Their opinion should remain independent, objective and within their individual area of expertise.
An expert's opinion must remain independent and within their own area of professional expertise.
What can a medical expert provide an opinion on?
Depending on their specialty and the issues in the case, a medical expert witness may provide independent opinion on diagnosis, treatment, standards of care, causation, condition and prognosis. They may also be asked to consider future treatment, rehabilitation, care needs and the longer-term effects of an injury, illness or medical condition.
The specific questions addressed will depend on the expert’s individual area of expertise and the scope of the instruction. In clinical negligence matters, this may include the standard of care and the consequences of any alleged breach. In personal injury matters, it may include the nature and extent of an injury, its cause, current symptoms, prognosis and any future treatment or rehabilitation needs.
Medical expert witnesses for clinical negligence cases
Medical expertise may be required in clinical negligence cases where independent specialist opinion is needed on the diagnosis, treatment or management of a patient.
An expert may be asked to consider the standard of care provided, whether the treatment or management was appropriate, causation and the effect that any alleged breach of duty may have had on the patient's condition, prognosis or future treatment needs.
Complex cases may require evidence from more than one medical discipline, particularly where different aspects of diagnosis, treatment and subsequent care fall within separate areas of specialist expertise.
Medical expert witnesses for personal injury cases
Medical expertise may also be required in personal injury cases where specialist medical opinion is needed to assess an injury, illness or medical condition.
An expert may be asked to consider diagnosis, causation, treatment already undertaken, the claimant's current condition, prognosis, further treatment that may be required and the likely longer-term effects.
Complex cases may require evidence from more than one discipline. For example, medical opinion may need to be considered alongside surgical, radiological, psychiatric or rehabilitation expertise.
Medical expert witnesses in other legal proceedings
Medical expert evidence may also be required in a range of other legal and investigative proceedings where independent specialist opinion is needed on an individual's health, injury, medical condition or treatment.
This can include family proceedings, employment disputes, criminal cases, inquests and sports-related injury matters, as well as other cases involving medical or clinical issues.
Depending on the circumstances, an expert may be asked to provide an opinion on matters such as diagnosis, treatment, causation, prognosis, capacity, the effects of an injury or medical condition, or other questions falling within their particular area of expertise.
Medico-legal reports and expert evidence
Our medical expert witnesses can be instructed to prepare independent medico-legal reports addressing the specific medical questions relevant to a case.
Depending on the instruction, their work may include reviewing medical records, examining a claimant where appropriate, preparing an expert report, responding to questions, participating in discussions with other experts and giving evidence in court or before a tribunal.
McCollum Consultants can assist with identifying a medical expert whose clinical expertise is appropriately matched to the issues requiring expert opinion.
How do I instruct a medical expert witness?
- Send us the case details
Provide the key party details, a brief outline of the relevant clinical issues and the medical specialism or specialist expertise required. - We complete a conflict check
We carry out an initial conflict check before considering suitable experts. - We identify appropriately qualified experts
We may identify one or more appropriately qualified experts for your consideration, taking account of the particular medical issues involved, relevant expertise, current or recent clinical practice, medico-legal experience and availability. - Review availability, timescales and costs
Before instruction, we provide information on expert availability, anticipated report turnaround and estimated fees. - You select and instruct the expert
The decision as to which expert to instruct remains with you. Once selected, our team can coordinate the instruction and subsequent expert work. Where appropriate, we can arrange a preliminary discussion before formal instruction.
Why instruct a medical expert witness through McCollum Consultants?
Specialist expertise
We work with appropriately qualified experts across a broad range of medical, surgical, nursing, rehabilitation and allied healthcare specialties, enabling us to identify expertise relevant to the particular clinical issues involved.
Carefully matched experts
Every instruction is considered individually. We consider the clinical issues involved, relevant subspecialist expertise, current or recent clinical practice, medico-legal experience and availability when identifying potential experts.
Medico-legal training
Our experts are supported through medico-legal training and continuing professional development, including the preparation of clear, well-reasoned reports and the responsibilities of an independent expert witness.
A personal, responsive service
We take the time to understand our experts' individual areas of expertise and develop long-standing professional relationships with the solicitors, insurers and organisations that instruct them, providing a consistent point of contact throughout the instruction.
Clear timescales and fees
Before instruction, we can provide information on expert availability, anticipated report turnaround times and estimated fees.
Support throughout the litigation process
Our support can extend beyond the initial instruction to appointments, medical records, reports, conferences, supplementary questions, discussions between experts, joint statements and preparation for giving evidence. Where several disciplines are required, we can also assist with coordinating experts across multiple specialties.
FAQs
▸What does a medical expert witness do?
▸Are medical expert witnesses independent?
▸How do I know which type of medical expert witness I need?
▸Can a case require more than one medical expert witness?
▸What information is needed to identify a suitable medical expert?
▸How long does it take to obtain a medico-legal report?
▸Can medical expert witnesses be instructed for matters outside the UK?
Discuss your case
If you require independent medical expert opinion, contact McCollum Consultants with details of the case and the issues on which expert evidence is required. Our team can help identify an appropriately qualified medical expert witness for your instruction.