| ine is something that enters into our daily activities | | | | Malpractice can be very serious, so the use of expert |
| without us even thinking about it. You don't consider | | | | witnesses is vital in finding a verdict that is true and fair. |
| how your muscles are working or where your food | | | | Other cases are not as obvious. Expert medical |
| goes after you eat it, but all this can be valuable | | | | witnesses may be called on to testify at a trial dealing |
| information in a court case. That's where expert | | | | with abuse or homicide, where it is necessary to |
| medical witnesses come in. | | | | present facts on the damage done. In other trials, the |
| An expert medical witness is someone with medical | | | | expert may be required to testify as to common |
| training who is prepared to testify in a case. General | | | | medical procedures or any manner of disease |
| practicioners are not usually considered for this type of | | | | information. This is an area that can often make or |
| testimony, lawyers prefer to go to specialists who can | | | | break a case, which is why it is so important to have |
| really delve into the specifics of the matter at hand. | | | | good expert witnesses. |
| That means it's not uncommon to see neurologists, | | | | Where to Find Expert Medical Witnesses |
| plastic surgeons and even oncology specialists on the | | | | To ensure that the truth is presented at the trial, it's |
| witness stand. | | | | important for the lawyer to choose an expert medical |
| What a Medical Witness Does | | | | witness who is not a professional witness, but an |
| Basically, an expert medical witness has to review the | | | | actual practicing physician. There are some doctors |
| case history and give his or her professional opinion. In | | | | who no longer practice, but earn a living by testifying |
| some cases, examination of the person in question is | | | | and while this can be acceptable in some cases, it will |
| also required, depending on the type of court case. | | | | look far better to have a “real” doctor |
| At the actual trial, the doctor or specialist will take the | | | | on the stand. |
| witness stand and be cross-examined to help provide | | | | There are entire directories dedicated to medical |
| clarity on the facts. The expert medical witness should | | | | experts who are willing to testify. It can be handy to |
| have no connection to anyone in the courtroom, since | | | | take a look at these lists and get an idea for what is |
| bias could be used against him or her. | | | | available, or you can simply select a medical |
| When a doctor is contacted by an attorney, he or she | | | | professional in your area and approach them with an |
| will need to do a consult with the lawyer to determine | | | | offer. This is most likely to produce an authentic result, |
| if they are a good fit for the case. Since being on the | | | | of course, and can be preferable to a more seasoned |
| stand means you are under oath, it's a very serious | | | | witness. |
| position. | | | | Expert medical witnesses are necessary in many |
| When Medical Witnesses are Needed | | | | court cases to provide a testimony that will help clarify |
| There are all manner of court cases and trials that | | | | the actual events. Either side in the case can hire a |
| require experts in the medical field to testify. The | | | | medical expert and often both sides will, to help prove |
| majority will be in the case of a malpractice charge | | | | their case. Either way, a witness with this type of |
| and may require independent examination of the | | | | professional knowledge can be invaluable to the case. |
| patient or an autopsy if the person is deceased. | | | | |