Specialisms
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Maternity Expert Witnesses by Specialism
McCollum Consultants provides access to independent obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses across a range of specialist disciplines 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.
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expertise across a wide range of specialisms
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.
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.
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What does an obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witness do?
An obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness provides independent specialist opinion on clinical issues relating to pregnancy, childbirth, maternity care and gynaecological treatment. They may review medical and maternity records, investigations, imaging and other relevant evidence and, where appropriate, examine an individual.
Depending on the instruction and their area of expertise, 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 may address issues including 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, objective and within their own area of professional expertise.
What can an obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert provide an opinion on?
Depending on their specialty and the issues in the case, an obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert may provide independent opinion on diagnosis, treatment, antenatal care, management of pregnancy, labour and delivery, maternity care, gynaecological treatment, standards of care and causation. They may also be asked to consider condition, prognosis, future treatment and the longer-term consequences of an injury 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 antenatal assessment, monitoring during pregnancy, management of labour and delivery, recognition and management of complications, postnatal care or gynaecological investigation and treatment. In personal injury matters, it may include diagnosis, causation, current condition, prognosis, future treatment and the longer-term effects of an injury or medical condition.
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses for clinical negligence cases
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expertise may be required in clinical negligence cases where independent specialist opinion is needed on the care provided during pregnancy, childbirth or the postnatal period, or in relation to gynaecological diagnosis and treatment.
An expert may be asked to consider the standard of care provided, including antenatal assessment and monitoring, management of labour and delivery, recognition and management of complications, postnatal care or gynaecological investigation and treatment. Where relevant and within their expertise, they 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.
Complex cases may require evidence from more than one discipline, particularly where different aspects of maternity or gynaecological care are involved. Depending on the circumstances, this may include evidence from experts in obstetrics, midwifery, fetal or maternal medicine, neonatology, radiology or other relevant clinical specialties.
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses for personal injury cases
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expertise may also be required in personal injury cases where specialist opinion is needed to assess an injury, medical condition or its impact on reproductive or maternal health.
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 consequences of an injury or medical condition.
Complex cases may require evidence from more than one discipline. Depending on the circumstances, obstetric, gynaecological or maternity opinion may need to be considered alongside surgical, radiological, urological, psychological or rehabilitation expertise.
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses in other legal proceedings
Obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert evidence may also be required in other legal and investigative proceedings where independent specialist opinion is needed on pregnancy, childbirth, maternity care, reproductive health or gynaecological treatment.
This may include inquests, family proceedings and other matters involving questions about the care provided, an individual's medical condition, treatment or the consequences of an injury or adverse clinical outcome.
Depending on the circumstances and the expert's area of expertise, they may be asked to provide an opinion on matters such as diagnosis, treatment, standards of care, causation, condition, prognosis or other clinical issues relevant to the proceedings.
Medico-legal reports and expert evidence
Our obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses can be instructed to prepare independent medico-legal reports addressing the specific clinical questions relevant to a case.
Depending on the instruction, their work may include reviewing medical and maternity records, investigations and imaging, examining an individual 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 an obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert whose clinical expertise is appropriately matched to the issues requiring independent expert opinion.
How do I instruct an obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness?
- Send us the case details
Provide the key party details, a brief outline of the relevant clinical issues and the obstetrics, gynaecology, maternity or related 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 clinical issues involved, relevant subspecialist 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 obstetrics, gynaecology, midwifery and related areas of maternity and women's health, 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, the relevant obstetric, gynaecological or maternity subspecialty, 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 and maternity 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 an obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness do?
▸Are obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses independent?
▸How do I know which type of obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness I need?
▸Can a case require more than one obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness?
▸Can a case require more than one obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness?
▸What information is needed to identify a suitable obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert?
▸How long does it take to obtain a medico-legal report?
▸Can obstetrics, gynaecology and maternity expert witnesses be instructed for matters outside the UK?
Explore other expert witness specialisms
Discuss your case
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 obstetrics, gynaecology or maternity expert witness for your instruction.