Know whether the claim
has prospects
A screening opinion gives a consultant’s read on whether a cardiology claim has prospects — typically within days, on the records as they stand, at a fixed fee where the bundle allows.
It identifies the cardiology questions the case turns on, grades prospects, and sets out which full reports would be needed if the case proceeds. It does not carry the CPR Part 35 CPR Part 35 statement of truth — that comes with the full liability or causation report afterwards.
- New CFA enquiries where prospects need to be tested before formal acceptance under a conditional fee agreement.
- Pre-action clinical negligence work where breach is alleged but the medicine has not yet been independently tested.
- Large or unstructured records bundles where a clinician’s read is needed before the case can sensibly be costed or progressed. Often paired with a chronology.
- Defence work requiring a fresh, independent view on an opposing party’s expert evidence before responding.
What the expert report covers.
A screening opinion is deliberately focused. It addresses the specific cardiology questions the claim turns on, without straying into territory that belongs in a full liability or causation report.
Included in scope
- Whether the cardiology care falls outside responsible practice under the Bolam and Bolitho framework.
- Whether the alleged injury is plausibly linked to the care complained of, on the balance of probabilities.
- • Which further reports are likely needed, and from which subspecialty. subspecialty.
- Whether the records are sufficient, or what further disclosure is required.
- An explicit grading of prospects — good, moderate, or low — with reasoning the solicitor can use for the CFA decision.
Not covered at this stage
- A CPR Part 35-compliant standalone opinion for trial use — that is the full liability or causation report.
- A final resolution of breach or causation.
- Examination of the claimant or any view on condition and prognosis.
- Replacement of the full reports a positive screening points to — once prospects are graded good or moderate, the next instructions follow.
We are regularly instructed when it comes to
-
Claimant · A&E
Missed cardiac chest pain
Patient discharged from A&E without ECG or troponin testing. Myocardial infarction 36 hours later. The opinion addresses whether the initial assessment fell below accepted standards, and whether earlier intervention would have changed the outcome on the balance of probabilities.
Often paired with: Breach of Duty Causation
-
Claimant · Primary care
Delayed AF anticoagulation
Atrial fibrillation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 3, no anticoagulation against NICE guidance. Embolic stroke five months later. The opinion addresses the GP’s management and the likely effect of timely anticoagulation on stroke risk.
Often paired with: Breach of Duty AF claims
-
Claimant · Surgical
Post-CABG complication
Sternal wound infection and dehiscence after coronary artery bypass grafting. The opinion addresses peri-operative management and antibiotic prophylaxis — whether the complication reflects a departure from accepted practice or sits within recognised risk.
Often paired with: Combined Breach & Causation Cardiac surgery
-
Defendant · Review
Fresh read on opposing evidence
Defence solicitor needs an independent view on a claimant cardiologist’s report before responding. The opinion gives a preliminary read on methodology, references, and the reasonableness of the conclusions — often informing the decision on whether a full critique is justified.
Often paired with: Critique & Rebuttal
Report format, length and turnaround.
Most reports run to four to eight pages, returned within five to seven working days. Fast-track turnaround of 48 to 72 hours is available where the trial window or limitation deadline requires it.
Fixed fee where the records bundle is contained. Larger bundles are quoted on an indicative basis with a cap. LAA-compliant rates and deferred payment terms available — full fee schedule.
Match this report to your case.
The screening opinion is only as useful as the cardiologist behind it. Both routes below cross-reference back into the catalogue so the right subspecialty is matched from the first instruction.
-
Browse case scenarios
Seventeen cardiac conditions in legal context — missed MI, aortic dissection, AF and anticoagulation failures, cardiac surgery negligence and more.
-
Meet our cardiologists
Interventional, electrophysiology, imaging, heart failure, valve and structural, general and acute, adult congenital and inherited cardiac conditions.
Need a Screening & Merits report?
Submit case details today via an email or our contact form and receive a same-working-day quotation within minutes. For urgent matters, please call using the phone number below.
Same-day quote Fixed-fee where bundle allows LAA rates available