Whenever it is claimed that a hospital patient has been treated negligently, it is customary for some kind of internal inquiry to be conducted.

If, on the basis of the findings, negligence is admitted and compensation agreed (as very occasionally happens), that is the end of the matter.

However, if negligence is denied the plaintiff's legal adviser must decide whether he or she has a legitimate claim with some prospect of success at trial.

In making that decision, the solicitor relies upon reports prepared by one or more experts in the field concerned, and on counsel's advice.