1
Scope
These terms apply to every instruction accepted by Dr Anthony Howard ("the Expert"), unless agreed otherwise in writing.
Expert instructions
Terms and conditions.
Last updated 8 October 2026 · Governed by the law of England and Wales
2
Acceptance
An instruction is accepted only when the Expert confirms it in writing, after a conflict check, and once the instructing party has signed and returned these terms. The instructing party obtains the medical records and imaging at its own expense and provides them indexed and paginated, with any passwords needed for online access.
3
Duty to the court
The Expert's overriding duty is to the court (CPR 35.3). No term of these conditions, and no instruction, can limit that duty. The Expert's opinion is not affected by who instructs or pays.
4
Fees
Fees are quoted when the instruction is accepted. The quotation covers the report, any supplementary report or answers to Part 35 questions, conferences, joint statements, court attendance and travel expenses. The Expert is not registered for VAT, so no VAT is charged. Fees are not conditional on the outcome of the case.
5
Payment
Invoices are payable within 28 days of the report being sent. The instructing party is responsible for the fees whatever the outcome or funding of the claim.
6
Cancellation
No charge is made for an appointment cancelled 14 days or more before its date. Cancellations within 14 days, and appointments the claimant does not attend, are charged at 50% of the examination fee.
7
Turnaround
The Expert aims to provide the report within two weeks of the examination, or of receiving complete instructions and records for a desktop report. Complex cases may take longer, and a date will be agreed in advance. Delay caused by late or incomplete records extends the timescale.
8
Further work
Questions under CPR 35.6, addendum reports, joint discussions and attendance at court or inquest are charged as quoted. Attendance requires at least 8 weeks' notice of dates.
9
Records and data protection
Records must be sent securely. The Expert processes personal and health data as a data controller under the UK GDPR, registered with the ICO (ZB905000). Medical records and imaging are securely deleted or destroyed when the case concludes, in line with British Orthopaedic Association guidance (May 2024). The instructing party should tell the Expert when the case has concluded. The Expert's report, correspondence and time records are kept securely for six years after that. See the privacy notice.
10
Liability
The Expert has indemnity for medico-legal work through membership of the Medical Protection Society. Details are available on request.
11
Law
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.