As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.

What should a good report include?

1. A title page – including:
• the date of the report
• the date of the examination
• the identity of the relevant parties
• the full name (and date of birth) of the plaintiff (if applicable)
• the party providing the instructions
• the nature of the report
• a declaration that you have read any relevant Code of Conduct and will abide by it.
2. Numbered pages, short numbered paragraphs and appropriate subheadings.
3. Your personal details, name, current post and summary of previous experience, including a list of qualifications.
4. Statement of the opinion you have been asked to provide and details of your relevant knowledge/experience enabling you to comment on the issues.
5. List of documentation considered and relied upon in reaching your opinion on the case. If documentation is missing, state this in the report.
6. Chronology and summary of the relevant evidence:
• Giving exact dates wherever possible
• When referring to important parts of the records, quoting relevant entries verbatim, if possible (identifying it as a direct quote – eg, by the use of italics)
• Identifying disputed facts and stating the sources of the information set out eg, “history given on admission to hospital on 01.02.2005”
• Explaining relevant technical terms and abbreviations
• Reviewing the evidence for a sufficient period of time before and after the incident/period of relevance – to put the events in context and highlight other relevant features of the history.
7. Where you have undertaken an examination or performed other investigations:
• Say who carried out any examination, measurement, test or experiment which you have used for the report, give qualifications of that person, and say whether or not the test or experiment has been carried out under your supervision
• As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.
• Record relevant positive and negative findings
• Maintain a clear distinction between the history given, the history recorded in the records, your own findings and your interpretation of those findings
• Focus on the significance of the findings for the individual’s everyday life
• Give timescales for probable improvement/deterioration, treatment options available, etc
• Refer back to the pleadings, if appropriate, to ensure that all relevant matters have been addressed.
8. The Opinion
• Comment on each question or issue separately quoting the question or issue whenever possible
• Where the question/issue appears to repeat or overlap with another or seems misdirected, explain why and refer to other relevant paragraphs
• Justify the conclusions reached by reference to the evidence in the case and the expert’s specialist knowledge
• When dealing with an issue on which there are a range of opinions, provide reasons for the view expressed and refer to relevant evidence. Supply references by the most convenient method (footnotes or endnotes).
• Where you take sides in an area of factual dispute, give an explanation of why you favour one version over another
• Where there is evidence undermining your opinion, outline that evidence and explain why it is not persuasive
• When commenting on the opinions of other experts:
• Summarise the areas of agreement and disagreemen
• Point to evidence supporting or undermining the views give
• Avoid giving a view on matters outside your area of expertise
• Remain focused on the facts of the particular case
• Confine your report to the scope of your instructions and your own expertise
• Distinguish between questions of fact and of opinion
• Distinguish clearly between known facts and assumptions made.
9. The concluding paragraph:
• Avoid further repetition of the facts but summarising the opinions reached
• Return to the issues you have been asked to consider and/or the pleadings, to make sure that an opinion has been given on all relevant matters with proper attention to the legal tests to be applied
• Conclude with a statement of truth.