Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Maternity Expert Witnesses

Our network includes appropriately qualified obstetricians, gynaecologists, midwives and other relevant specialists across a broad range of maternity and women's health disciplines.

The appropriate expert will depend on the clinical issues involved in the case and the specific questions on which independent expert opinion is required.

Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses provide independent specialist opinion on clinical issues arising in pregnancy, childbirth, maternity care and gynaecological treatment.

Depending on the case and the expert's area of expertise, they may review medical records, maternity records, investigations, imaging and other relevant evidence before preparing an independent medico-legal report.

The questions addressed will vary according to the instruction. These may include diagnosis, treatment decisions, antenatal care, labour and delivery, monitoring, escalation of care, postnatal management, gynaecological treatment, standards of care and causation.

An expert's opinion must remain independent and within their own area of professional expertise.

In clinical negligence matters, an obstetric, gynaecological or maternity expert may be instructed to provide independent opinion on the standard of care provided to a patient.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include antenatal assessment, monitoring during pregnancy, management of labour, delivery, recognition and management of complications, postnatal care, gynaecological investigation or treatment.

Where relevant and within their expertise, an expert may also be asked to address breach of duty and causation, including whether an alleged failure in care caused or materially contributed to the outcome.

Expert evidence may also be required in personal injury matters where specialist obstetric, gynaecological or maternity opinion is relevant to the injuries or medical issues involved.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, an expert may be asked to consider diagnosis, causation, current condition, prognosis, future treatment and the longer-term consequences of an injury or medical condition.

Complex cases may require evidence from several disciplines, including obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology, radiology, surgery, nursing, midwifery or rehabilitation.

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, where these matters fall within the expert's professional remit.

Our obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity experts prepare independent medico-legal reports for use in litigation, negotiation, mediation and court proceedings.

Depending on the instruction, their work may include reviewing clinical and maternity records, preparing an expert report, responding to questions, participating in discussions with other experts and giving evidence in court or before a tribunal.

The appropriate expert is determined by the specific clinical issues requiring independent opinion rather than simply the overall type of claim.

For example, a case concerning pregnancy or delivery may require an obstetrician, while issues relating to maternity care may require a midwifery expert. A matter involving fetal development or high-risk pregnancy may require expertise in fetal or maternal medicine.

If you are unsure which specialty is appropriate, our team can review the nature of the instruction and help identify a suitably qualified expert.

1. Send us the case details
   Provide the key party details, a brief outline of the injuries and clinical issues, and the specialty required.
2. We complete a conflict check
   We carry out an initial conflict check before identifying suitable experts.
3. We nominate appropriate experts
   We provide one or more appropriately qualified experts for consideration.
4. Review availability, timescales and costs
   We provide available information on expert availability, anticipated report turnaround and estimated fees.
5. Instruct your chosen expert
   Where helpful, we can arrange a preliminary discussion before formal instruction.

We work with appropriately qualified experts across a broad range of medical, surgical, nursing, rehabilitation and allied healthcare specialties. Our experts bring relevant clinical experience and specialist knowledge to the medical issues arising in each case.

Every instruction is considered individually. We review the nature of the case, injuries sustained and clinical issues in dispute before nominating experts whose current clinical practice, subspecialist expertise and medico-legal experience are closely matched to the circumstances of the instruction.

Our experts are supported through dedicated medico-legal training and continuing professional development, helping them understand the responsibilities and standards expected of an expert witness. This includes preparing clear, well-reasoned reports and maintaining independence, objectivity and an understanding of their overriding duty to the court.

We believe expert witness work should be personal, not transactional. We take the time to know our experts, understand their individual expertise and develop long-standing professional relationships with the solicitors, insurers and organisations that instruct them. This enables us to provide a responsive, consistent and personal service throughout every instruction.

We understand the importance of certainty when managing litigation. Before instruction, we can provide information on expert availability, anticipated report turnaround times and estimated fees, helping instructing parties select an appropriate expert and manage the case effectively.

Our involvement extends beyond the initial instruction. We provide a consistent point of contact throughout the case and can assist with appointments, medical records, reports, conferences, supplementary questions, discussions between experts, joint statements and preparation for giving evidence. For complex or multidisciplinary cases, we can also help coordinate experts across multiple specialties.

If you require independent obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity 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 expert witness for your instruction.