Neurologist Expert Witnesses

Each neurology court report is written in clear, accessible language and typically includes:

• A summary of instructions and the legal questions to be addressed.
• Background medical and social history relevant to the neurological issues
• Description of the assessment process and any investigations reviewed.
• A diagnostic opinion or differential diagnoses, with explanation.
• Analysis of how any neurological condition relates to the matters before the court.
• Prognosis and, where appropriate, recommendations for treatment, rehabilitation or support.
• Explicit answers to each of the court’s or instructing party’s questions.
• A balanced discussion of uncertainties, limitations or alternative explanations.

Where required, our neurologist experts can also provide supplementary reports, joint statements with other experts and written responses to Part 35, Part 19 or Part 25 questions.

When cases proceed to trial or hearing, our neurologist expert witnesses are experienced in:

• Giving independent oral evidence under examination and cross-examination.
• Participating in experts’ meetings and case conferences.
• Explaining complex neurological issues to judges and juries in a clear, structured way.

Depending on the issues in the case, a forensic neurological assessment may include:

• A detailed history from the client and, where appropriate, family members or carers.
• Review of GP, hospital and therapy records, imaging and investigation results.
• Full neurological examination, including cognitive assessment where indicated.
• Consideration of psychiatric, psychological or neuropsychological factors where relevant.
• Recommendations for any further investigations needed to clarify diagnosis or prognosis.

Our neurologist expert witnesses are skilled in working with vulnerable clients, those with communication difficulties and people who may be distressed or anxious about the assessment process.

Because Forensic Defence works with a broad panel of consultant neurologists, we can usually identify an expert whose clinical experience closely matches the issues in your case.

Our panel includes specialists in areas such as:

• Traumatic brain injury and post-concussional syndrome.
• Stroke and cerebrovascular disease.
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders.
• Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Functional neurological disorder (FND) and non-epileptic attacks.
• Movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and dystonia.
• Headache and migraine.
• Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating conditions.
• Peripheral nerve and neuromuscular disorders.
• Spinal cord disorders and related neurological syndromes.

This breadth of expertise means we can support instructions ranging from relatively straightforward personal injury claims to complex, multi-issue criminal and civil cases.

Quality is central to the neurologist expert witness service we provide. As a minimum, our experts:

• Are appropriately qualified consultant neurologists with substantial post-qualification experience
• Hold registration with the relevant professional and regulatory bodies
• Have specific experience of preparing medico-legal and neurology court reports
• Understand and comply with the applicable court rules and professional guidance on expert evidence
• Maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance

We review CVs and sample reports before adding any neurologist expert witness to our panel and monitor feedback, report quality and timeliness on an ongoing basis. This helps ensure the expert evidence you receive is reliable, balanced and ready for use in court.

Our neurologist expert witnesses are familiar with the demands of different courts and tribunals.

They have been instructed in:

• Criminal proceedings – including serious violence, driving offences, alleged offences involving loss of consciousness or seizures, and cases where neurological conditions may affect culpability or reliability of evidence.
• Civil and personal injury litigation – such as road traffic collisions, accidents at work, public liability claims and clinical negligence, including alleged delays or failures in diagnosing or treating neurological conditions.
• Family and Court of Protection proceedings – including cases involving capacity to litigate, parenting capacity affected by neurological illness, and disputes about residence, contact or best interests.
• Tribunals and specialist hearings – such as mental health tribunals, employment hearings where neurological issues are relevant, and professional regulation proceedings.

Across these jurisdictions, the focus remains the same: providing impartial neurology court reports that assist the court in reaching fair, evidence-based decisions.

We know that strict court deadlines and listing dates mean delays in expert evidence can quickly become critical. Forensic Defence is set up to respond quickly and keep your case moving.

Our team will:

• Acknowledge enquiries promptly and advise on likely availability
• Provide clear information on fees, timescales and required documentation
• Keep you updated as the assessment and reporting progress
• Work with you to adjust the scope of work if new issues arise or timescales change

Our aim is to make the neurologist expert witness a practical asset to your case, not an additional source of delay or uncertainty.