For jointly instructing solicitors

Single joint expert cardiologist — strictly neutral evidence.

We accept joint instructions as a single joint expert cardiologist under CPR 35.7, with the consultant matched to the relevant subspecialty. One report, owed equally to both parties and to the court, CPR Part 35 compliant.

Instruct a Cardiologist Call 0800 161 3395
  • CPR 35.7 compliant
  • Strictly neutral
  • LAA rates
  • Same-day quote
Owed equally to both parties

One expert, two instructing parties.

A single joint expert cardiologist is instructed by both parties together, not by one side. The duty under CPR 35.7 is owed equally to claimant and defendant, and the overriding duty remains to the court.

Neutral cardiology expert witness work demands a different discipline from party-instructed reporting. Correspondence is handled even-handedly, both sets of records are weighed without preference, and questions under CPR 35.6 are answered to both parties at the same time. The report reads the same to whichever side opens it first.

A jointly instructed cardiologist from this chambers will confirm scope and a single shared fee before work begins, so apportionment between the parties is settled at the outset. We accept joint instructions at Legal Aid Agency rates where one or both parties are publicly funded.

Reports provided on joint instruction

Six report types delivered as single joint expert.

The single joint expert report is the same deliverable both parties rely on — screening to test the merits, breach and causation on liability, condition and prognosis to value the claim, and life expectancy where quantum requires it.

  • Screening & Merits

    Short-form joint advisory opinion testing whether the claim has prospects, reported to both parties together. Graded good, moderate or low with reasoning.

  • Breach of Duty

    Joint liability opinion testing the cardiology care against the Bolam and Bolitho standard, referenced to current NICE and British Cardiovascular Society guidance. CPR Part 35 compliant.

  • Causation

    Joint opinion on whether the breach caused or materially contributed to the cardiac injury, on the balance of probabilities. Addresses but-for and material contribution where the medicine permits.

  • Condition & Prognosis

    Joint examination and opinion on current cardiac status, functional capacity and likely future course. Foundation for quantum discussion and care needs.

  • Life Expectancy

    Joint cardiac mortality opinion for quantum purposes, with reasoning referenced to peer-reviewed cardiac outcomes data and shared by both parties.

  • Joint Statements

    Where a second expert is later introduced, structured participation in the experts’ meeting and a joint statement of agreement and disagreement under CPR 35.12.

For the full report catalogue, see reports.

Joint instruction flow

From joint letter of instruction to shared report.

The single joint expert process adds one safeguard to the standard flow — every handover point is mirrored to both parties at the same time, with a single shared fee quoted upfront.

  1. Joint letter

    Both parties send the agreed joint letter of instruction and records bundle. We acknowledge to both within the working hour.

  2. Shared scope & fee

    Same-day confirmation of scope, named consultant and a single shared fee, with apportionment between the parties set out clearly.

  3. Records review

    The named consultant reviews both parties’ disclosure even-handedly, drafts the chronology and prepares the reasoned joint opinion.

  4. Shared delivery

    The signed report is released to both parties simultaneously, with CPR 35.6 questions from either side answered to both at once.

The neutral duty

What a joint instruction does — and does not — mean.

Both instructing parties are entitled to a consultant who treats each side identically. They should also expect a consultant who knows where the boundaries of the single joint expert role sit.

The consultant will

In scope of the joint instruction

  • Act with a duty owed equally to both parties and overridingly to the court, as set out in PD 35.
  • Apply the Bolam and Bolitho framework rigorously, and address causation on the balance of probabilities.
  • Direct all correspondence to both parties together, and answer CPR 35.6 questions from either side to both at the same time.
  • Flag missing disclosure, request further records where needed and write addenda when the evidence base changes, notifying both parties.
The consultant will not

Outside the proper role

  • Favour the party who initiated contact, or hold a separate conversation with one side that is not shared with the other.
  • Accept later party-instructed work from either side on the same matter, which would compromise the neutral position.
  • Opine on legal questions, damages quantification or the conduct of non-cardiology specialties.
  • Sign a report drafted by anyone else. Authorship is the named consultant’s, throughout.
Sister pages

More for solicitors on this site.

Build the joint instruction

Match the report to the cardiologist.

Instructing jointly?

Appoint a single joint expert cardiologist.

Send the agreed joint letter of instruction and records bundle. Scope and a single shared fee confirmed the same working day, with the named consultant identified upfront. LAA rates available where a party is publicly funded.

Instruct a Cardiologist Call 0800 161 3395

CPR 35.7 compliant LAA rates available Same-day quote