Reflections on Inspire MediLaw’s expert witness training
Here, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Mr Ken Woodburn, reflects on our two-day expert witness training:
The breadth of clinical and medico-legal experience among those of us attending the two-day course made for interesting and informative exchanges during coffee breaks and meals. The relaxed setting and highly approachable team delivering the training made for an interactive learning experience. As well as being comprehensive, it was readily adaptable to meet the individual requirements of the attendees.
Paul Sankey gave a very informative overview of the legal journey of a claim and the solicitors’ expectations of an expert. I picked up a number of useful pointers that would enhance the quality of my medico-legal reports in the future. It was only at this point that I became aware of where in the timeline of a claim the joint experts statement is prepared. I had no idea that I had been that close to appearing in Court as an expert in previous cases!
It can often be very difficult to assess the benefits of training courses such as this one. But, only two weeks later, I had to attend a County Court, as the claimants’ expert in a case that I had ‘inherited’ at a late stage in proceedings, following the retirement of the expert who had initially been instructed. I approached this with a greater understanding and much less trepidation than would have previously been the case. My recent training had given me a much clearer understanding of the process that I was witnessing, and I spent the day observing proceedings, as the claimants’ case was dissected by the defendants’ counsel and the judge.
During this first day, the knowledge and understanding I had recently acquired from the training course enabled me to provide clear and appropriate advice to the claimants’ counsel regarding the medical issues in dispute, and the potential strengths and weaknesses in the medical evidence relevant to the case.
Ultimately I was not required to take the stand, as the parties reached agreement before the second day in Court commenced. But I felt confident that I could have taken the stand to present my arguments in a clear and rational manner, providing appropriate assistance to the Court. This is something that, in hindsight, I would probably not have been able to undertake to a particularly high standard, had I not recently had the benefit of the Inspire MediLaw training.
Our guide brings together tips from our trainers, including a former high court judge, barrister, clinical negligence solicitors and experienced expert witnesses. Our experts share their insights from many years in practice.
By following these tips in your report writing, you’ll build your reputation as a trusted expert witness – helping you to expand your client base and work.
I was fortunate to be able to consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired at the training course in this manner, and I strongly believe that the training has made me a better expert, equipping me with better knowledge and understanding of my role in the process. This training should enable me to produce reports that more accurately meet the requirements of the Court.”
**If you’re interested in attending our expert witness training, please take a look at our course page for further details.**