When a Tissue Viability Expert Witness Is the Right Choice: Knowing When to Refer On

Why a tissue viability expert witness was needed in a chronic wound care case

In this real example, a nurse expert witness was asked to review the case of a medically complex patient admitted with osteomyelitis and longstanding skin breakdown. After reviewing the records, the expert determined that the clinical questions were better addressed by a tissue viability specialist and recommended transferring the case.

This approach not only reflects best practice in expert witness work, but also protects the integrity of the legal process. It shows that Apex Experts prioritises clinical alignment over commercial convenience, ensuring the right expertise is applied to the right case.

Why matching the right expert to the clinical issue matters

The patient in question had:

• A history of chronic wounds and osteomyelitis

• Pre-existing involvement from community Tissue Viability Nurses (TVNs)

• A complex hospital admission for surgical and antimicrobial management

• Questions around both causation and nursing care planning

Rather than offer a generalist opinion outside their scope, the nurse expert advised that:

• The case required advanced wound care interpretation

• Specific knowledge of TVN documentation and interventions was essential

• Causation could not be determined without analysing skin healing trajectories and chronic wound status

“This case falls outside my area of clinical and legal expertise. It should be reviewed by a trained tissue viability specialist, preferably with expert witness experience.”— Apex Panel Nurse Expert

How Apex ensures clinical credibility through expert triage

Apex Experts operates with a wide-ranging panel of clinicians, including:

1. Tissue Viability Nurses with litigation experience

2. Wound care specialists trained in chronic ulceration and healing evidence

3. Senior nurse experts who triage cases to ensure appropriate fit

4. Access to multidisciplinary reviews when required (e.g. joint surgical + nursing opinion)

This tiered process ensures legal teams don’t receive weak or off-scope reports that risk being dismissed in court or challenged at conference.

Why lawyers should value expert transparency

Solicitors benefit when expert witnesses are:

• Clear about their scope

• Honest about their clinical limitations

• Able to redirect rather than speculate

• Focused on the long-term defensibility of their advice

In this case, the lawyer was promptly advised and offered a referral to a qualified Tissue Viability Nurse expert, preserving both timelines and evidential strength.