Why A Medical Malpractice Expert Witness Is Needed

By Steven Rogers


Almost all cases that touch on the negligence of a doctor require an expert witness. In most cases the medical malpractice expert witness is a qualified person who can practice as a doctor. This is because the case facts are too complex to be understood by someone outside this field. In many countries the law is specific that an expert witness is mandatory before initiating a law suit on a negligent doctor.

The facts that result in expert advice should be familiar to almost all the claimants. This will include clearly knowing those areas that require the service and the cases that can do without this service. The person who is giving the testimony should be fully aware of the components of evidence he is giving. The clients is therefore advised to distinguish between those practitioners who can act as witnesses and those that cannot. This is material in development of the case.

Needs for the expert evidence. Close to all the medical malpractices require this special type of a testimony. Without this service the plaintiff may not get the compensation from the injuries that he suffers. If absent, the judges who have no further information in this field makes the determination of the case so early. Even though a trial judge is not bound to take the expert evidence, he considers it in his final determination. This will therefore call for serious scrutiny to understand those who can be used to testify and those who cannot.

To get the right practitioner to give evidence is a challenge to any common citizen. The charges involved are always very high, at times unaffordable by a common man. Most of them too are also working in their respective designated areas. They have little time to be in court rooms. Some states have also made laws that minimizes the availability of the nurses in the courts. One should therefore check whether there is a possibility of losing in case the service is not sought.

The contents. In this stage two issues will be addressed. The first is to check whether the practitioner owes the claimant the duty of care. This is then assessed to see whether that duty has been breached. The injury suffered by the petitioner is then analyzed. This is also very important as it helps in the determination of the compensation amount.

Qualifications to testify. Different nations have different rules on who can testify and who cannot. The requirements are that in a claim emanating from a particular field, a practitioner from that field is the best suited. This qualification can be met through academic training and through experience. In case of general field of medicine, then a combination will be sought. There are also limitations in some nations. These are made to prevent career witnesses. Instead they are required to be practicing what they trained for.

For a case with facts speaking for themselves, a witness is not fully needed. A claimant is however advised to ensure he makes no assumption for the same. A defense lawyer may be too smart and end up turning the tables for the case.

Choosing an expert maybe too hard. This will at times require an attorney to explain the different state rules pertaining to the requirement to testify. This will help to set things in order at an advanced stage and make a basis for winning the case.




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