2024 Question 4 — LawShortcut Independent Model Answer
Defective Heart Valve · Product Liability · Medical Negligence
Scenario summary
In July 2023, Mr A is referred by his GP, Dr B, to a cardiologist, Mr C, who has 25 years' experience. C advises a Chinese-manufactured TAVR aortic valve that had come to market in June 2022 and was in use internationally. Heart Parts Ltd, an importer based in Ireland, had brought in 1,000 of these valves from China in December 2022.
In December 2023, research in the United States finds that the valve degrades over time and is linked to unexplained fatal heart attacks; the findings appear in print in January 2024. Neither C nor Heart Parts becomes aware of the article. A receives his valve in January 2024, and by March 2024 he suffers catastrophic coronary failure, ending up on life support and unable to work.
Candidates are asked to advise A on his tort claims, the defendants, and quantum.
This is a LawShortcut scenario summary written in our own words. For the exact examined wording, use the official King’s Inns paper linked above.
What this model answer covers
Issues and structure addressed in the full LawShortcut model answer:
- 1. Heart Parts Ltd — Liability for Defective Products Act 1991
- 2. Cardiologist Mr C — Professional Negligence
- 3. GP Dr B
- 4. Causation and Quantum
- Current-Law Note for 2026
Read the complete LawShortcut model answer to this question — reading the question, issue spotting, the applicable law, application to the facts and conclusions — inside the King’s Inns Tort Model Answer Vault.
Part of the King’s Inns Tort Model Answer Vault — 30 independently authored model answers, 2020—2025.