MEDICO-LEGAL

Medico-Legal Neurology Expert Witness (CPR Part 35)

Dr Francesco Manfredonia (MD, FRCP) is an experienced Consultant Neurologist and Neurophysiologist providing clear, balanced and well-reasoned expert evidence for claimant and defendant instructions in civil litigation and clinical negligence. A practising consultant since 2007 and Clinical Director of Neurology & Neurophysiology at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust since 2017, he combines frontline clinical practice with deep electrodiagnostic expertise to deliver opinions the court can trust.

Scope of medico-legal work

• Clinical Negligence Reports – breach, causation and material contribution analysis, with differential diagnoses clearly set out.

• Condition & Prognosis Assessments – functional impact, rehabilitation needs and future risk, with transparent reasoning.

• Equal split of instructions – a balanced portfolio across claimant and defendant matters.

Neurology & neurophysiology expertise

• Epilepsy/blackouts, movement disorders (incl. Parkinson’s), multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, myopathy, sleep disorders – clear, clinically grounded opinions referencing current guidance.

• Neurophysiological testing – expert interpretation of EEG, NCS and EMG, clarifying mechanism, severity and prognosis where electrodiagnostics are pivotal. 

CPR 35 compliance & duty to the court

All reports are prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35, with the expert’s overriding duty to the court explicitly affirmed and a statement of truth in the required form. Joint statements and responses to Part 35 questions are undertaken in a timely, professional manner.

Instruction process

1. Initial screening – brief review of the letter of instruction and key records to confirm suitability and scope.
2. Quotation & terms – written estimate with hourly rates/fee structure, disclosure list and anticipated timeline.
3. Records & examination – full document review; in-person or remote assessment as appropriate.
4. Report – CPR-compliant report with rationale, literature relied upon and clear answers to the court’s questions.
5. Joint statement & court attendance – where ordered, including conferences with counsel.

What solicitors value

• Clarity: plain-English reasoning, explicit assumptions and differentials.

• Balance: objective analysis for either side; professional neutrality maintained at all times. 

• Depth: integration of clinical findings with EEG/EMG/NCS data where relevant. 

Documents typically requested

Letter of instruction and Part 35 questions; GP and hospital records; imaging and neurophysiology reports; witness statements; rehab/therapy notes; employment records (where loss and function are in issue).

Fees & availability

Transparent fee estimates are provided on instruction; timescales are agreed at the outset and updates are given if case circumstances change. (Full terms available on request.)