Paediatric medico-legal reports
Screening and Preliminary Opinions
Before committing to a full report, a short independent view can tell you whether a claim is worth pursuing. We provide screening reports and preliminary opinions on the medical merits. You see the expert’s CV before you instruct, and can commission a full report once you decide to proceed. We act for instructing solicitors on either side.
Overview
What a screening or preliminary opinion is
A screening or preliminary opinion is a concise, early opinion on whether there is a case to answer on the medical evidence.
Why it matters legally
When a preliminary opinion is commissioned
It is commissioned at the outset, to help you decide on merits and funding before a full report.
What the report covers
The ground a screening opinion covers
Who produces it
The relevant specialist for the injury
The opinion is produced by the relevant specialist for the injury. In clinical negligence this is often a consultant paediatrician, a neonatologist or a paediatric neurologist, depending on the question.
Where it is used
Claims that begin with a screening opinion
A screening opinion often precedes a full report in paediatric sepsis and clinical negligence and birth injury claims, where merits and funding need an early view.
FAQ
Screening and preliminary opinions: common questions
No, it informs your decision; a full CPR Part 35 report follows if you proceed.
An initial view on breach and causation, and what a full report would need to address.
At the outset, to help you decide on merits and funding before a full report.
The relevant specialist for the injury, often a consultant paediatrician, a neonatologist or a paediatric neurologist.
Within 48 hours of your enquiry, with the CV sent for review before you instruct.
Instructing on a preliminary opinion?
Send your case details and we will turn a preliminary opinion around quickly, with a same-working-day quotation and the CV before you instruct.