Giving evidence at a medical negligence trial

Here at YouClaim, we successfully resolve the vast majority of medical negligence compensation claims we receive in out-of-court-settlements.

So, it goes without saying that most people who make medical negligence claims with our personal injury solicitors will not have to go through the process of a court trial.

However, as this courtroom scenario is always a possibility for any clinical negligence claimant, we thought it would be worthwhile providing any potential compensation claimants out there with a brief rundown of what to expect from a medical negligence trial.

Preparing to give medical negligence evidence in a courtroom
Most of us have all kinds of misconceptions about what it is like inside a courtroom; these have usually been formed through exposure to overly dramatic courtroom scenes in film and television.

Undoubtedly, anyone faced with the prospect of giving evidence in a court will be filled with all kinds of terrors and anxieties.

However, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself as confidently as possible for taking the witness stand in a medical negligence trial.

Visiting the courtroom before the date your medical negligence compensation claim is set to go to trial can be a great help. It will help you become familiar with the environment and make a more realistic visualisation of how things might proceed.

Your personal injury solicitor will run you through many possible scenarios before the trial date, this will help you respond confidently to any questions you encounter while on the witness stand.

Dressing well not only helps create a favourable impression, but will also help you feel more confident when giving evidence so plan your outfit well in advance.

Remember that while it is a good idea to have a strong grasp of the issues at stake in your medical negligence claim, you are going into the court as a lay witness of fact; this is rather different from being an expert witness who is expected to have in-depth knowledge of many of the legal and medical questions being contended.

When the medical negligence trial begins
After the usher has guided you to the witness box, you will be instructed to take an oath of truth. After this your personal injury solicitor will ask you the questions that are designed to establish the main strengths of your medical negligence claim.

Following this, you will face cross-examination by the opposing legal side. For many, this is the most nerve-wracking part of the trial.

To alleviate anxiety and strengthen your chances of a favourable outcome, always answer, not in the direction of the cross-examiner, but directly at the judge. It is the cross-examiner's job to undermine your case, so just be honest and straightforward; saying nothing that is unnecessary, and should you should be fine.

While answering both your personal injury solicitor and the cross-examiner, there are a few basic guiding principles that should help you keep your cool and benefit your case.

Never lie lying is criminal offence for which you could face prosecution.

Be simple and straightforward. Unnecessary words will make you appear inconsistent.

Only speak to the judge and always face him when doing so.

Claiming medical negligence compensation with the experts
If you have suffered as the result of a medical practitioner's negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

YouClaim are specialists in helping medical negligence claimants secure the compensation they deserve.

The personal injury solicitors on our panel are widely recognised as being among the UK's finest. All are governed by the high standards of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and have a commitment to dealing ethically and expertly with every medical negligence claim they receive.

With YouClaim, there are never any hidden legal costs or fees. We also guarantee that you will protect you from all the opposing side's legal fees. In addition, we promise never to take a cut of your compensation award.

To begin your medical negligence claim today, simply call 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively, use our e-chat facility to discuss your claim, request a call back or fill out an online claim form.