A further excellent publication from a barrister with a wealth of practical experience in understanding how lawyers and experts interact in the field of civil litigation
Following his previous successful book on “Writing medico-legal reports in Civil Claims”, he covers in his latest text the legal language and thinking, evidence, proof, acting as an expert, communication between parties, consent, mental capacity, as well as a final chapter on ‘when things go wrong’.
His considerable experience in civil litigation practice combined with his clear, concise arguments make this book an essential guide for clinicians. Despite 50 years of my own experience as a clinician, I have found a lot to learn from Eyre’s book.
His style reflects his own clarity of thinking and provides both lawyers and experts with an excellent grounding in key concepts of medico-legal practice. Although it is aimed primarily at doctors, clinicians and experts, it is recommended to lawyers as well. The final statement in his ‘Author’s note’ on page xvii says: “If you think there is something the next edition should include, let me know – I too am happy to learn”. This epitomises his commitment to reflective learning and how we can and should continue to read, discuss and learn. I highly recommend this concise text to lawyers, doctors and experts.
Hugh Koch
Professor in Law & Psychology
Birmingham City University
A highly relevant must-read for all today’s medical practitioners, both junior and senior
I do not give “5 stars” very often (as there should always be room for improvement), but this one is worth it. This book and its contents benefit from being based on and written by an author with long-term experience, both in practice and academic teaching and writing on the subject.
At the same time, this relatively concise work (140 pages only) provides the up-to-date necessary knowledge and practical expert help all clinicians need in today’s world, full of ‘…bewildered ignorance, or partial and so faulty understanding…’ of the law related to clinical practice.
This book brings together the necessary and practical essence to avoid litigation in the first place but also to assist the legal processes surrounding normal daily clinical practice. However, when faced with the consequences of the law, or when things go wrong, it will provide invaluable advice, as it is based and follows on from the already well-respected work by the same author Writing Medico-Legal Reports in Civil Claims, which has proven to be an invaluable essential guide to regularly consult in my medico-legal practice.
Dr Wim Blancke MD FRCA FFPMRCA
Consultant Anaesthetist
9 February 2019