Notes from our chambers on instructing psychiatric, psychological and paediatric experts — covering Single Joint Expert reports, vicarious liability, capacity, limitation, and admissibility under CPR Part 35 and FPR Part 25.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov via Pexels CICA Claims: The Complete 2026 Guide to Criminal Injuries Compensation Navigating the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme can be complex for legal practitioners representing survivors of violent crime. This guide provides an up-to-date overview of the CICA scheme in 2026, emphasising the critical role of expert witness input…
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels Vicarious Liability After Various Claimants v Barclays: Key Requirements for Institutional Abuse Reports The legal framework governing institutional abuse claims has evolved significantly through recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly concerning vicarious liability. The decision in Various Claimants v Barclays Bank Plc [2020] UKSC 53 has refined the application of…
Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels Distinguishing ICD-11 Complex PTSD from PTSD in Historic Abuse Quantum Reports In historic abuse claims, the distinction between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) under the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) carries significant implications for quantum assessment, care needs, and long-term prognosis. For solicitors, barristers,…
Photo by Vitaly Gariev via Pexels What is a Psychiatric Expert Witness Report in Abuse Cases? In abuse injury litigation, a psychiatric expert witness report serves as a cornerstone of medico-legal evidence. These reports, prepared by consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or paediatricians with specialist trauma expertise, provide the court with an impartial, clinically grounded assessment…
Photo by www.kaboompics.com via Pexels Parental Capacity Assessment: A Solicitor’s Guide to Section 31 Threshold Criteria In abuse injury litigation involving public law proceedings under the Children Act 1989, parental capacity assessments form a pivotal medico-legal consideration. For solicitors representing claimants, local authorities, or other parties, the threshold criteria section 31 framework requires integration of…
Photo by www.kaboompics.com via Pexels How to Instruct an Expert Witness in UK Abuse Injury Claims: A Step-by-Step Guide In abuse injury litigation, the quality of expert evidence often determines the outcome of a claim. Whether acting for claimants, defendants, or public authorities, instructing the right expert witness—particularly one with specialist trauma-informed training—is critical. This…
Photo by khezez | خزاز via Pexels CPR Part 35: Expert Duties and Report Requirements in Abuse Injury Claims In abuse injury litigation, the role of the expert witness is pivotal. The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35 sets out the duties and responsibilities of experts instructed to provide evidence in civil proceedings, including claims…
Photo by Vitaly Gariev via Pexels Section 2 Mental Health Act: Implications for Abuse Injury Claims In abuse injury litigation, the intersection of psychiatric vulnerability and legal process frequently brings Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) into focus. For solicitors acting in civil claims, CICA applications or group actions involving survivors, understanding…
Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA via Pexels Psychological Report for Court: Structure and Legal Relevance In abuse injury litigation, a well-prepared psychological report for court can be pivotal in establishing liability, causation, and quantum. Whether in civil claims, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) matters, or group litigation, the expert witness report must meet rigorous clinical, legal,…
Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels Vicarious Liability in Institutional Abuse Claims: Key Considerations for Psychiatric SJE Reports In the evolving landscape of institutional abuse litigation, vicarious liability remains central to establishing accountability. Recent authorities such as Mohamud v WM Morrison Supermarkets plc [2016] UKSC 11, Barclays Bank plc v Various Claimants [2020] UKSC 13,…