Single Joint Expert Appointments, Negligence Quantum
Appointment as Single Joint Expert (SJE) for financial loss quantum in negligence claims. Our approach is rigorous and neutral: the SJE's primary duty is to the court, not to either instructing party.
What This Service Covers
- Neutral financial loss analysis instructed by both parties or directed by the court as Single Joint Expert (SJE).
- Quantum reports addressing agreed and disputed loss heads with transparent assumptions.
- Joint meetings, supplemental questions, and joint statements following CPR expert protocols.
When You Need This
- Proportionality-driven cases where the court directs a single expert on quantum.
- Party agreement to joint instruction to reduce costs in lower or mid-value negligence claims.
- Cases where opposing quantum positions require a single independent assessment.
Our Approach
- Joint or court-directed instructions and scope agreement with both parties.
- Independent review of disclosed financial and medical material.
- Neutral loss quantification with reasoned assumptions on disputed issues.
- CPR Part 35 SJE report; participation in joint statement process as required.
SJE Duty to the Court
The Single Joint Expert's primary duty is to the court, not to either instructing party. Instructions from both sides are summarised in the report; areas of agreement and disagreement are addressed with transparent reasoning.
SJE appointments in negligence quantum are increasingly used where proportionality requires a single financial expert rather than competing party experts.
CPR Part 35 and the SJE Protocol
SJE reports must comply with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35, including the expert's statement of truth and confirmation of understanding of the duty to the court. The SJE Protocol sets expectations for joint instruction, access to documents, and joint statement procedures following exchange of reports.
CPR Part 35 Compliance
SJE reports comply with CPR Part 35, Practice Direction 35, and the SJE Protocol. The expert's duty to the court is stated expressly; instructions from both parties are summarised.
Under CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35, the expert's duty is to the court. Reports must state qualifications, instructions, facts, assumptions, methodology, opinion, conclusions, and contain a statement of truth. Where proceedings are in the family court, FPR Part 25 applies to expert evidence.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Single Joint Expert in negligence proceedings?
- A Single Joint Expert is appointed jointly by the parties or by the court to provide one neutral quantum report. The SJE's duty is to the court. SJE appointments support proportionality in cases where dual party experts would be disproportionate.
- What must a CPR Part 35 expert report contain?
- Under CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35, the report must be addressed to the court, state qualifications and instructions, set out facts and assumptions, give reasoned opinion, summarise conclusions, confirm the duty to the court, and include a statement of truth.
Related Services
Instruct a negligence loss expert witness for your case, or contact us in confidence to discuss requirements.
Need a financial loss expert for this type of claim?
Instruct an Expert