One of the questions that many people who are heading to court ask is, “What is an expert witness?” If you’re trying to prove medical malpractice, it’s important that you have an expert explain what happened and why it should not have. Calling in an expert can help solidify your testimony. It’s important that is expert is believed and credible, and the expert should be from the same field of study in most cases.
What makes a person an expert?
An expert is an expert because of training, experience, their knowledge base and education. For example, a surgeon who works on children would be helpful in a surgical malpractice case that involves a child as long as that surgeon is familiar with the procedure that was performed. A doctor who is not familiar with working with kids but who has performed the surgery would be better than one who works with kids but who hasn’t performed the surgery, since he or she wouldn’t understand the mechanics of the surgery itself.
What should you know before you decide to use anexpert’s testimony?
Understand that experts can give an opinion to the court. The fact that this person gives a professional opinion does not mean that it is a factual piece of evidence; a jury or a judge may not believe what the witness says. You should make sure that the expert you choose to have talk in your case is a well-spoken individual. This person needs to convey the facts that you want to get across without being confusing. If the expert has to explain how he or she came to a conclusion, he or she should do so clearly, or else the reliability of the result might be questioned. Understand how the person came to the conclusion he or she came to and that the method was reliable before you or your attorney allow the expert to speak. Our website has more information on medical malpractice cases and what you might want to consider when pursuing yours.