The Attorney General confirmed that his Chambers are currently defending 15 medical negligence claims on behalf of Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care.
The update came in response to a written question from Rushen MHK Juan Watterson. The Attorney General Walter Wannenburgh said all 15 cases have had proceedings issued in the High Court and have a defence filed, covering either liability, quantum, or both.
Case durations vary widely. Using the date each claim was issued, the shortest has been active for 288 days, while the longest has been ongoing for 2,632 days, just over seven years.
Several of the longest running cases involve serious or complex injuries where a claimant’s condition has not yet stabilised enough for long term care needs to be assessed.
The AG said timescales can be affected by the volume of medical records involved, the availability of independent experts, complex causation issues, and the evidence required to value long‑term care and future loss.
Delays can also arise where claimants are unrepresented or based off‑island, or where court timetables are extended to allow further evidence or settlement discussions.
He added that once proceedings are issued, either party can apply for court directions to set a timetable and ensure the case progresses.
The full written answer can be found here.
