CLINICAL INSIGHT FOR LEGAL CLARITY
ABOUT DR DAVID HODGSON
I’m Dr David Hodgson, an Emergency Medicine Consultant specialising in providing expert medico-legal opinions for clinical negligence cases across the UK. I emphasise writing reports that give clinical insight for legal clarity.
I have held senior leadership roles, including deputy medical director for quality and safety, and I have engaged nationally and internationally in patient safety-focused committees. I was awarded an LLM in Healthcare Ethics and Law in 2017. I am passionate about improving the quality and safety of healthcare.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Newcastle University
Master of Laws (LLM in Healthcare Ethics and Law), University of Manchester
Fellow of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM)
Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP)
​Cardiff University Bond Solon Civil Expert Witness Certificate (CUBS)
Professional Experience
I have held numerous consultant roles in Emergency Medicine across major NHS trusts in the UK, gaining substantial experience across the breadth and depth of Emergency Medicine.
Extensive experience providing expert witness services for adult clinical negligence cases.
Comprehensive experience in clinical governance and patient safety through senior roles within acute NHS trusts.
CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE SERVICE
MEDICO-LEGAL EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
I specialise in providing medico-legal reports for clinical negligence cases, focusing on adult emergency medicine.
I do not take instructions for paediatric cases.
Examples of the most common cases I am instructed on:
Failure to diagnose or delay in diagnosis of:
Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Sepsis
Aortic dissection
Fractures and dislocations
Cauda equina syndrome
Stroke (CVA)
Pulmonary embolism
Meningitis
Head injuries
Appendicitis
Expert Witness Activity:
Defendant
90%
Claimant
10%
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FeesMy current hourly rate is £245 for all time spent on the case. Most cases take between 6-10 hours, with complex cases capped at a maximum of 12 hours. You will be informed if a case requires this maximum time before proceeding. For court hearings, my daily rate is £1,750, which covers travel and waiting time, regardless of whether oral evidence is given.
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Court Attendance CancellationIf court attendance is cancelled with more than three working days' notice, no fee is payable. If cancelled with less than three working days’ notice, a fee of £1,000 is charged for the first full day of the trial.
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ExpensesReasonable expenses incurred will be invoiced at cost, and receipts can be provided upon request.
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Payment TermsPayment is expected within 90 days of the invoice date (unless otherwise agreed), regardless of whether your client has paid you. In legally aided cases, please make a prompt claim to the Legal Services Commission and inform me of any delays. I reserve the right to charge interest on unpaid accounts at a rate of 2% per month.
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No-Win, No-FeeI do not accept work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
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Payment MethodsPayment can be made via cheque (payable to David Hodgson) or BACS. Account details will be provided with the invoice.
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Instructions RequiredPlease provide the following documentation for every case: Clear background and case details. A list of specific questions or points of dispute. Notification if the expert is instructed by one or as a Joint Expert. Witness statements, reports by other experts, and high-quality copies of hospital and GP records.
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Report TurnaroundReports are produced no later than eight weeks.
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Court AppearancesAt least 6 weeks' notice is required for court appearances.
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Joint StatementsI will aim to meet with the other expert and provide a jointly signed statement within 4 weeks when required.
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Professional ResponsibilityI will use my experience, care, and skill to fulfil your instructions to the best of my ability. Please remember I am an independent witness.