Since 2011, expert witnesses have lost their immunity to being sued, which means there's a risk of being sued . Must have dedicated indemnity insurance 

And so I've been asked on a number of occasions in various different ways as to whether or not this is something to consider when it comes to accepting expert witness work. And I want to start off by really talking through some of the key tips and advice that have kept me away from any concerns regarding being sued as an expert witness. 

First and foremost, is to stay within your area of expertise. So you must not stray away from your own area. That means when you're looking at a new instruction, that you are purposely ensuring that you are well within your area, and that you don't stray away. And if you do feel that is the case, during the course of the work, then, of course, mentioned that within your report so that there's no commentary, opinions, or conclusions being made outside of your own area. That's clearly where you can refer to other experts within the body of your report. 

The other aspect is to remain totally independent. So if you feel there's a conflict of interest, with the potentially with the parties involved, that must be made clear the stock process. And of course, if you feel that there's uncertainty or something that's starting to feel uncomfortable within the report writing process, and you're not getting satisfactory answers from me, instructing parties, and do escalate it to the court and ask them for guidance, in particular, contentious issues, anything that gives you a sort of cause for concern, you're not alone, you're there to serve as the court. And if you feel that you need guidance from them, do feel free to ask them. And of course, you can apply these principles and ethics to your work, you will stay out of trouble. And of course, limit or eliminate the risk of being sued. So I hope that's helpful for you.

Your Host,

Dr Sandeep Senghera 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sandeep-senghera/ 

What makes a good medical expert witness?

Here are the 5 features that I believe make a good expert witness: 

1. The clinical experience and knowledge of the expert is able to withstand scrutiny from the opposing barrister if ever brought into question within a court environment.
2. Capacity within their diary to deliver expert witness work, sometimes at short notice and at other times on a more scheduled regular basis. The key is flexibility within their diary.
3. The ability to work with a secretary who can provide a transparent and effective communication with the instructing solicitors and/or barristers.
4. Expert is dedicated towards the ongoing learning in expert witness work, and their ability to carry out continual professional development.
5. The ability to be accessible to instructing parties should there be challenges within the nature and complexity of an instruction through their willingness and ability to attend conferences for joint statements with the other expert and/or the instructing solicitor.

Your Host,

Dr Sandeep Senghera 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sandeep-senghera/ 

There are occasions when declining medico legal work should be considered. 

In this episode, we will discuss 3 key principles that will help you know when you should say no to medico legal work.

Can expert witness work really help you expand your career? 

In this episode, we will discuss on how expert witness work could help you grow in your career.

In the 6th episode of Expert Witness Secrets, I condense the most important lessons from working as an expert witness to ensure that you don't fall for the same mistakes I did. 

Why is expert medical witness work so secretive? Do your colleagues carry out expert witness work but rarely share their learnings or experience with you?

Join us in our 5th episode as I attempt to dispel the 3 myths around secrecy in expert witness work.

After speaking with hundreds of doctors that are carrying out expert witness work, a big proportion is stuck at around 2 to 3 reports per month. This was a position I found myself in 2012.

If you want to increase your medico legal work, join today’s episode as we take a look at the 5 factors that you can avoid to get ahead as an expert witness.

If you are considering becoming an expert medical witness but have yet to "take the plunge", join our second episode of Expert Witness Secrets to know the top 5 reasons why doctors do not become expert witnesses in my view. 

Are you stuck in the NHS working longer hours with less energy and time for your friends and family? 

In today’s episode we will discuss how it feels to be trapped , relying on one primary source of income. 

I will share the x5 issues that would have affected me working full time in the NHS. 

1. The work and income will make me less reliant on my primary income stream 
2. There is plenty of work out there 
3. It’s nothing to do with being unethical 
4. It will over stretch me 
5. Most of the work is done from home 
6. You can decline the work if you don’t or can't do it 
7. There is very little chance you will need to provide evidence in court 
8. It will enhance my clinical performance 
9. My morale in my chosen profession will increase 
10. Independence and duty to the court is the overriding intention of an expert witness 

Your Host,

Dr Sandeep Senghera 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sandeep-senghera/