Expert Witness Features – page 27

Establishing a sound case for noise induced hearing loss

NOISE-INDUCED HEARING loss is a relatively common complaint in the elderly population and is caused by excessive exposure to noise.

The noise can be from any source, but hearing damage claims usually relate to noise from an industrial source - frequently from exposure occurring in the days before ear protection was mandatory. In order to qualify for compensation the claimant must have a demonstrable hearing loss and also a history of noise exposure.

A 21st century disability

DAMAGE TO HEARING from exposure to noise remains a common problem in the 21st century, despite the regulation of occupational noise exposure in most developed countries.

In the UK, approximately 170,000 people suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work. The resulting hearing loss cannot be cured, but is preventable.

Putting legal issues under the microscope - forensic medicine

FORENSIC MEDICINE is the branch of medicine concerned with the resolution of criminal or civil legal issues by the application of scientific medical knowledge.

The specialty of forensic medicine is often referred to as legal medicine in Europe and in Spanish-speaking countries.

Take a step in the right direction - call an expert in podiatry

A PODIATRIST IS qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.

In the UK, individuals may not use the title 'chiropodist’ or ‘podiatrist’ unless they are registrants of the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Medicolegal Issues in Laparoscopic Surgery

OVER THE PAST two decades, there have been rapid developments in medical technology, which have facilitated the ability to perform surgical operations using minimally invasive or laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) surgery. Modern laparoscopic equipment including high definition systems, provide the surgeon with an excellent view of the relevant anatomy. ‘Keyhole’ surgery has many advantages for patients in terms of a rapid recovery from surgery, less post-operative pain and better cosmetic results. Nevertheless, laparoscopic surgery is associated with specific risks and complications which are only seen in minimally invasive surgery. These may be in addition to known complications associated with traditional open surgery. Several factors influence the outcome of clinical negligence claims in relation to laparoscopic surgery.