25 September Case Updates Dating non-accidental injuries Non-accidental injury, Injury dating, 11. Report Writing, 15. Giving Oral Evidence There have been a number of cases illustrating how fractures are dated. This case illustrates the dating of haemorrhages as well as fractures. The judge’s structure of her judgment enables the reader to see how the analysis of the evidence of the various experts allowed her to find as fact how many incidents of non-accidental injury there were and when they occurred as well as with what force. Although there are no extracts from the experts’ reports or evidence, the judgment illustrates how properly presented expert medical evidence can assist the court in cases of suspected non-accidental injury. The dating of injuries can be of critical importance in cases, as here, where there was more than one potential perpetrator. London Borough of Y v M [2025] EWFC 232 (B)
12 September Case Updates Known unknowns and the non-accidental injury hypothesis Non-accidental injury, 09. Being instructed as a Single Joint Expert, 16. Criticism and Complaints, Known unknowns, Metaphyseal corner fractures, Protein pump inhibitors, 13. Experts Discussions and Joint Statements, 15. Giving Oral Evidence The detail of this judgment will mainly be of interest to paediatricians, radiologists and clinical pharmacologists as it is another case in which there has been an issue as to the effects of proton pump inhibitors on bone growth. There are some learning points of more general application arising out of the criticisms of the experts and particularly relevant to all single joint experts, not just jointly appointed experts in the Family Court. Re M (A Child) (Non-Accidental Injuries; Wider Canvas) [2024] EWFC 209 (B)
6 February Case Updates A Local Authority v S [2009] EWHC 2115 (Fam) Child abuse, Medical expert, Paediatrics, Non-accidental injury, 11. Report Writing, 15. Giving Oral Evidence “More on the hazards of kite-flying”