When you’re going to court due to an accident or other mishap, you need an accident lawyer and at least one expert witness. Here is more information regarding expert witnesses and the role they play in a court case.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is an individual a judge considers an expert of different subjects due to their education, training, skills, and other factors. These witnesses may hold specific certifications or have experience in various industries, including medical, technical, scientific, and other sectors.
Expert witnesses share their opinion and background knowledge on evidence or facts in court, which is known as an expert witness.
Are There Different Types of Expert Witnesses?
There are various types of expert witnesses, including: Medical Vocational Engineering Forensic Financial Securities Mental health Parenting
Medical Experts
Medical experts include various medically trained professionals, including physical therapists, doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals.
These expert witnesses can work closely with an accident lawyer and testify in cases that involve medical malpractice or personal injury as long as their area of expertise is associated with the injuries sustained by an individual.
Medical experts are beneficial to personal injury and medical malpractice cases because they can inform the jury about: Pain and suffering the plaintiff experienced Additional surgeries and other medical procedures an individual may require Whether an individual will or will not make a full recovery Limitations an individual may have as a result of their injuries
Medical experts can also help certain criminal cases by enlightening the jury of the extent of injuries of a victim or the nature of their injuries resulting from a criminal assault.
Vocational Experts
Vocational experts can testify in personal injury cases. These experts offer their opinion regarding whether a person can return to work, and if so, under what conditions. A vocational expert’s opinion can be valuable in personal injury cases that involve lost wages.
Engineering Experts
Engineering experts often give their testimony in product liability cases that involve faulty merchandise. These experts can provide their expert opinions regarding different products and whether a manufacturer or designer knew their product was faulty, even if used as intended.
Forensic Experts
Forensic experts are beneficial in a variety of cases, including criminal and civil cases. Forensic experts can provide their expert opinion in drunk driving cases regarding the driver’s blood alcohol content in civil cases. Other legal cases can include determining whether a fire was set intentionally or accidentally.
Financial Experts
Financial experts can help with determining the value of an individual’s lost wages in today’s economy. These experts often help in divorce cases.
Financial experts can include forensic accountants who can determine if one’s spouse is hiding assets and provide the court with information regarding possible tax consequences.
Securities Experts
Securities experts can examine evidence and provide their testimony regarding intentional fraudulent acts involving banks and other financial institutions.
Mental Health Experts
Mental health experts can give their testimony in cases that involve determining if an individual is of sound mind to make certain decisions. These experts can also share their expert opinion to help the court decide if an individual was mentally capable of making previous decisions.
Parenting Experts
Parenting experts often give their opinion and testimony in adoption and divorce cases. These experts can determine a child’s emotional capacity to handle different situations, such as co-parenting schedules and other situations.
Are There Benefits of Hiring an Expert Witness?
Expert witnesses have a significant role in the judicial process. These experts can: Persuade juries Educate judges on complex subjects Win lawsuits
Expert witnesses are valuable in court cases because they evaluate all the facts, work closely with accident lawyers and other lawyers, and contribute real and practical experience to court cases.
When Should You Hire an Expert Witness?
Finding the right expert witness can take time, so it’s best to start searching for one with your Riverside attorney as soon as possible.
You should hire an expert witness if your case involves explaining difficult concepts, you sustained an injury due to someone’s negligence, and in other similar situations where outside expert knowledge can help your case to be successful.
Whether you are suing someone or the person being sued, it’s best to have a Riverside accident attorney and at least one expert witness to help your case. Together, these professionals can work closely with you to prepare your case and achieve a desirable outcome.