When it comes to civil claims, the court works on the balance of probabilities rather than the criminal standard of proof. A judge does not need scientific certainty in order to reach a conclusion, and the court must decide what is more likely than not based on the evidence available. 

I think many people assume expert witnesses are instructed because they already hold an opinion someone wants confirmed. In reality, this is exactly what should not happen.

Understand the nuances of clinical negligence in aesthetic medicine and learn why specialised expert witnesses are essential for lawyers handling cosmetic treatment claims.

What makes a good expert witness? In this blog, Nurse Julie reflects on the importance of impartiality, legal training, and collaboration between solicitors and experts in building stronger and fairer cases.

Julie’s latest article featured in the June 2025 edition of the Expert Witness Journal. An in-depth look at the growing issue of personal injury in non-surgical aesthetic medicine, exploring legal risks, clinical failings, and the urgent need for reform.

Viewed from a clinical standpoint, aesthetic medicine is founded on the four fundamental principles of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Here is an explanation of what constitutes a reasonable body, how it is evaluated, and its role in determining the standard of care.

From my experience, it is crucial for solicitors to rely on expert witnesses to provide clarity on whether a practitioner’s actions met the expected standard of care.

Negligence is a type of civil wrongdoing (tort) that happens when someone fails to take reasonable care, and their actions (or lack of them) cause harm or loss to another person. It’s one of the most common types of claims in personal injury, medical malpractice, and other civil cases.