Expert Witness Gateway Information for Solicitors

At the Expert Witness Gateway, we connect solicitors with highly qualified paediatricians who act as expert witnesses in legal proceedings across the Family Court, Criminal Court, Coroners Court and Civil Court. Paediatric experts provide impartial, specialised knowledge to assist the court’s understanding of complex child health issues, always adhering to their overriding duty to the court.

Family Court

In the Family Court, paediatricians are frequently instructed in public law care proceedings and private law disputes. Typical cases involve suspected non-accidental injuries, failure to thrive, unexplained symptoms, or safeguarding concerns. Under Family Procedure Rules (FPR) Part 25, expert evidence, including paediatric reports, may only be introduced with court permission where it is deemed necessary to resolve the proceedings justly. Paediatricians assess medical records, examine children, and provide expert opinions on injury causation, timing, and the child’s prognosis. Their evidence is vital in informing decisions regarding the child’s welfare — the paramount concern under the Children Act 1989. Reports must comply with Practice Direction 25B, ensuring clarity, impartiality and adherence to professional standards.

Criminal Court

In the Criminal Court, paediatricians are instructed in cases of physical abuse, serious injury, infanticide, sexual offences, or neglect. They provide expert evidence on the nature, timing and causation of injuries, and help explain complex medical issues to the jury. Under the Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR) Part 19, experts must provide reports that clearly set out their qualifications, the materials relied upon, and their independent opinion. The rules emphasise reliability, transparency, and an overriding duty to the court, not the instructing party. Paediatricians may be cross-examined rigorously, and their evidence can be pivotal in establishing (or rebutting) criminal liability.

Coroners Court

Paediatricians assist coroners in investigating the deaths of infants and children, particularly where deaths are sudden, unexplained, or involve safeguarding concerns. They provide opinions on cause of death, injury significance, and adequacy of care, aiding coroners in reaching factual conclusions without attributing blame. Proceedings are governed by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013, with expert witnesses giving evidence under oath or affirmation. Paediatricians must remain independent, neutral, and strictly within the inquest’s fact-finding remit, contributing to conclusions that may lead to Prevention of Future Deaths reports.

Civil Court

In civil claims involving children — particularly clinical negligence and personal injury cases — paediatricians assess whether a defendant’s actions fell below acceptable standards and whether harm was caused. They also assist in valuing damages through prognosis and care needs assessments. Expert evidence in civil cases is strictly controlled under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35, with reports requiring court permission and clear declarations of independence. Paediatricians must provide objective, balanced opinions to help resolve disputes fairly and efficiently, often working as single joint experts or producing joint statements where experts differ.

Summary

Across all jurisdictions, paediatricians instructed through the Expert Witness Gateway are committed to providing court-compliant, impartial, and robust expert evidence. Our experts understand their duties under the relevant procedural rules and maintain the highest professional standards, ensuring that the court receives reliable assistance in cases where the health and welfare of children are paramount.