Expert Witness Explained: How Can They Help Your Claim?
From an auto crash to a dog bite, several incidents can occur and inflict harm on an individual. If you have suffered significant injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you first need to be assessed by a qualified medical practitioner. If the injuries are very severe, you may need to seek legal counsel to evaluate the case and get proper compensation.
If you end up having a case, California personal injury claims can be a long and painstaking legal process. Moreover, if you hope to get enough compensation to cover your expenses, including out-of-pocket expenses, preparation is crucial.
Having a good California lawyer helps ensure you have a strong case and your attorney may need to consult expert witnesses. This blog is about expert witnesses and how their testaments can impact your case and help you get maximum compensation.
Expert Witnesses: Who Are They, and How Do You Choose One?
Expert witness is the legal term for a professional with special expertise in a particular area. Their expertise puts them in a strategic position to explain an important aspect of your case related to their experience field. The number of expert witnesses who can assist your case in different ways is huge.
Meanwhile, how you choose an expert witness depends on what aspect of your case you need their testimony for. In an automobile accident, for example, you may need an accident reconstructionist to explain how an accident occurred. Without having been at the accident scene, the reconstruction expert can describe the accident, especially when you have no eyewitnesses.
At What Point in Your Claim Do You Need an Expert Witness?
You know it is time to find an expert witness when your attorney needs to document and explain the extent of your injuries. If, for instance, you got injured in a motor vehicle accident or a slip and fall, you will need a medical expert. They can explain the full extent of your injuries as well as the short-term and long-term repercussions of the injuries.
More so, it takes an expert to assign a permanent impairment rating to an injury. Usually, you would need to call an expert witness if the injuries come from the negligence of a healthcare provider. The expert witness has to be in the same area of practice as the negligent medical practitioner.
The expert will testify as to whether or not the medical professional failed to provide the proper standard of care to the patient. If their testimony is that the doctor failed, the patient can file a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit against the physician.
Where Can You Find an Expert Witness in California?
One reason why having a personal injury attorney is important is that they handle almost everything on your behalf. Part of what they handle is finding and inviting an expert witness to testify in your case. Choosing an expert witness is best left to your attorney; they know the best place to find the best expert.
If you have a California personal injury case ongoing, you want the best results to come out of it. After all, you deserve proper compensation for the damages and losses you suffered due to someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. A good lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies and invite expert witnesses to strengthen your case.
Conclusion
“Personal injury claims often involve individuals seeking fair compensation for their injuries, which is why the insights of professionals can be invaluable,” says Attorney Kyle Valero. Personal injury cases in California often entail a long, complicated, and painstaking legal process. Having a lawyer who knows how to build you a strong case, including getting expert witnesses, is best.
