Expert witnesses
This page is for experts who have been instructed by the Coroner to provide an independent opinion report. Doctors who have treated the patient in life or otherwise been involved with the case should see the page for medical witnesses.
Thank you for accepting instruction to assist the court as an expert witness. After you have submitted your report, the Coroner may also ask you to attend the inquest hearing to give oral evidence. One of our officers will contact you to check your availability and agree a date.
Please see this page for how to find us. We will reimburse you for all reasonable travel expenses including taxi fare from the nearest station. If you are travelling from some distance and wish to fly and/or stay in hotel the night before or after the hearing, please contact the office in advance to agree this. You will need to keep all receipts. Please note that Local Authority financial regulations mean that we can only pay for standard class public transport and the overnight accommodation rate is capped at £69.20 per night.
Please see this page for information on the typical running order of inquests. The Coroner will ask you to present a summary of your main findings. Please explain the medical issues and terms so that the non-specialists in court, including the deceased's family, can understand. You may also be asked questions by the family and other properly interested persons or their legal representatives. If you are asked something outside the scope of your expertise, it is fine to say so.
You will have agreed your fee with the Coroner when accepting instruction. The court will pay your reasonable hourly rates for attendance, travel and preparation. You can claim this and your travel expenses by using our Expert Witness Expenses form. Alternatively, you can submit your own invoice. If you do this, please ensure it shows your hourly/daily rate and the duration of your attendance, plus itemised travel expenses. Please attach any relevant receipts.