How to Instruct

Medico-Legal Services

Independent expert opinion in paediatric neurosurgery

What Mr Richards Provides

Expert Reports & Record Review

Mr Richards provides independent expert opinion in paediatric neurosurgery for use in clinical negligence and personal injury proceedings. All reports are prepared in accordance with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules and the relevant Practice Direction on expert evidence.

Mr Richards provides medico-legal opinion alongside his clinical work at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Because he remains in active operative paediatric neurosurgical practice, his opinion reflects current clinical standards and contemporary management.

Prior to his current post he held consultant posts at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Richards Medico Legal Ltd holds professional indemnity insurance directly for its medico-legal expert witness work. Mr Richards additionally holds personal medical indemnity for his clinical practice. Details of either are available on request.

Clinical Areas

  • Hydrocephalus and shunt complications
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Paediatric spinal disorders
  • Paediatric brain tumours

Expert Reports

Independent Expert Opinion

Preparation of independent expert reports for use in civil proceedings. Reports address the clinical issues in dispute, covering breach of duty, causation, and/or prognosis as instructed. All reports comply with Part 35 CPR and are accompanied by a statement of truth and declaration of expert's duty to the court.

Record Review

Case Notes & Standards of Care

Review of clinical records, operative notes, imaging reports, and correspondence to assess the standard of care provided against accepted practice at the relevant time.

Practical Information

Fees & Turnaround

Fees

Transparent & Agreed in Advance

Fees are charged on a time or item basis according to the work required. A full fee schedule is available on request and is agreed in advance of any instruction being accepted. All invoices are issued by Richards Medico Legal Ltd.

Legal Aid Agency-funded instructions are considered on a case-by-case basis, including applications for prior authority where the complexity of the case warrants it.

Turnaround

Prompt Report Preparation

Reports are typically prepared within four to six weeks of receipt of all relevant papers. Mr Richards will advise at the outset if this is not achievable given his current clinical commitments.

Mr Richards is able to accommodate cases with court-imposed timetables where reasonable notice is given.

Process

How to Instruct Mr Richards

Please contact us by email in the first instance. Mr Richards will respond within two working days to confirm whether the matter falls within his area of expertise and to provide a fee estimate and indicative timescale.

Once instructions are agreed, please provide the letter of instruction and relevant records. Mr Richards will acknowledge receipt and confirm a target date for the report.

Mr Richards accepts instructions from claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. All invoices are issued by Richards Medico Legal Ltd.

Get in Touch

When Contacting Us

Useful Information to Include

  • Nature of the case — clinical negligence or personal injury
  • Claimant or defendant instruction
  • Brief summary of the clinical issues
  • Approximate volume of records
  • Any court deadlines or timetable requirements
  • Whether a fee estimate is required at this stage
Ready to Instruct?

Make an Enquiry

Initial enquiries are welcome by email. Mr Richards will respond promptly to confirm availability, fees, and timescales.

Contact Us