Inquest Expert Witnesses

Independent medical expert evidence can be central to understanding complex medical issues surrounding a death. Our inquest expert witnesses provide clear, well-reasoned opinion based on their specialist clinical experience, current practice and the available medical evidence.

Depending on the circumstances, expert opinion may address cause of death, causation, injuries, clinical care, treatment, medical records, post-mortem findings and other specialist medical issues relevant to an inquest.

Our inquest expert witnesses provide independent medico-legal opinion across a broad range of deaths investigated through inquests and coronial proceedings, including:

Medical opinion relating to deaths in prisons, police custody and other detention settings, including clinical care, treatment, monitoring and causation.

Independent medical opinion on treatment, clinical management, monitoring, standards of care and causation following a death in a healthcare setting.

Expert medical opinion following deaths in public places, at home or in the community where specialist medical evidence is required.

Independent medical opinion on cause of death, causation and the interpretation of clinical, medical and post-mortem evidence.

Medical assessment of injuries, causation and other clinical issues arising from fatal accidents, workplace incidents and other circumstances resulting in death.

Complex inquests may involve several medical issues or areas of specialist evidence. Where appropriate, experts from different specialties can provide independent opinion on the medical issues relevant to the circumstances of the death.

Depending on their specialty and the nature of the instruction, our medical expert witnesses can provide independent medico-legal opinion on:

Clinical and medical evidence relevant to determining the cause of death, including medical records, investigations and, where relevant, post-mortem findings.

Whether disease, injury, treatment, an incident or another medical factor caused or contributed to the death.

The nature, severity and likely mechanism of injuries and whether the medical findings are consistent with the circumstances surrounding the death.

Where relevant, whether the clinical care, treatment or monitoring provided was consistent with the standards reasonably expected in the circumstances.

The interpretation and significance of medical records, investigations, treatment, clinical findings and other specialist evidence relevant to the inquest.

1. Send us the case details
   Provide the key party details, a brief outline of the 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
   Before instruction, we provide information on expert availability, anticipated report turnaround and estimated fees.
5. Instruct your chosen expert
   Where appropriate, 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 inquest.

Every instruction is considered individually. We review the circumstances of the death and the medical issues requiring opinion before nominating appropriately qualified inquest expert witnesses whose clinical practice and specialist expertise are closely matched to 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 and objectivity.

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 legal professionals 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. Throughout the process, we provide a consistent point of contact and can assist with medical records, reports, conferences, supplementary questions and preparation for giving evidence. For complex or multidisciplinary inquests, we can also help coordinate experts across multiple specialties.

Contact McCollum Consultants to discuss the circumstances of the death, the medical issues involved and the specialist expertise required. We can nominate an appropriately qualified expert and provide details of availability, anticipated report turnaround times and estimated fees.