Lawyers have long relied on expert witnesses to testify during criminal and civil cases. The role of expert witnesses has rapidly evolved since a landmark case in England in 1782.
Today, expert witnesses are even used during personal injury cases. A personal injury lawyer in Queens, NY, may call on at least one personal injury expert witness while representing you in a car accident, slip-and-fall accident, or pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Unlike an eyewitness in a personal injury case, an expert witness isn’t someone who watched an accident happen and can testify about what they saw. They play a much different role than this within the personal injury industry.
So, what is the role of an expert witness in a personal injury case, and what are some examples of expert witnesses who could help a personal injury lawyer argue a case in court more effectively? Find out below.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is a person considered an expert in their particular field. They often have an impressive blend of superior knowledge and extensive experience that qualifies them to speak about a certain topic at length from a unique perspective.
At the same time, an expert witness can simplify complicated topics so they’re easier for others — namely jurors in court cases — to understand. Just as important is that they have no relation to the plaintiff and can offer an unbiased assessment of the circumstances surrounding the case.
Therefore, using expert witnesses as part of a sound legal strategy can help strengthen legal arguments. This helps explain why many lawyers won’t pass up the chance to put a personal injury expert witness on the stand.
What Are Examples of Expert Witnesses?
So many examples of expert witnesses have appeared in courtrooms over time. Common examples of those who have provided expert testimony include:
- Medical experts: Doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals who can explain specific injuries and provide injury analysis to showcase the impact injuries might have on people concerning their ability to work and live normal lives
- Psychological experts: Mental health professionals who can explain conceptual personal injury claims, such as “pain and suffering” and “loss of enjoyment of life,” while offering insight on mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder
- Economic experts: Accountants and other economics enthusiasts who can explain the financial toll that injuries sustained during accidents can take on people when it comes to medical expenses, lost wages, and the loss of future earning potential
- Vocational experts: Recruiters and other job marketers who can explain how injuries sustained in an accident can limit earning capacity and future career opportunities for injured people
An accident reconstruction expert is also a great example of a personal injury expert witness, albeit for a different reason. This type of expert witness can help a personal injury lawyer recreate a car accident, a slip-and-fall accident, or a pedestrian accident using models, computer simulations, and more. Their studied opinion can illuminate what may have occurred during an accident.
What Is the Role of an Expert Witness in a Personal Injury Case?
The role of an expert witness in a personal injury case changes depending on what type of expert they are and what a personal injury lawyer is looking for from them. But more often than not, a personal injury expert witness is counted on to:
- Help jurors better understand a complex topic within their field of expertise
- Deliver evidence-based testimony that enables jurors to make more educated decisions
- Highlight the link that seemingly exists between a plaintiff’s injuries and a defendant’s negligence
For example, a personal injury lawyer might call on a doctor to examine a medical evaluation performed on their client and explain the various injuries. They might also ask this doctor to testify on how these injuries could have occurred or how they’ll affect a person and potentially prevent them from working in their chosen profession.
How Can You Benefit From Calling on Expert Witnesses in a Personal Injury Case?
As long as your personal injury lawyer performs a credibility assessment prior to calling on an expert witness to testify, this type of witness can benefit you in several key ways. Here are the possible advantages of relying on a personal injury expert witness in court:
- They can prevent jurors from experiencing confusion during legal proceedings.
- They can provide your case with more credibility.
- They can demonstrate a more definitive link between your injuries and a defendant’s alleged actions.
Expert witnesses can also fill in any holes that might exist in a personal injury case during a courtroom presentation.
Contact Us To Learn More About the Role a Personal Injury Expert Witness Plays
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer involves doing more than just selecting the first option you can find. Locate an attorney who knows how to gather evidence and call on personal injury expert witnesses to bolster a case. Reach out to Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates at (718) 205-1010 to hear how we can help you with a personal injury lawsuit.
FAQs
Keep reading to find answers to other questions you may have about personal injury expert witnesses.
How Can I Find Personal Injury Expert Witnesses?
You can find personal injury expert witnesses by consulting a personal injury lawyer with a wealth of industry experience. They should have connections to the right expert witnesses for your specific case.
How Much Does Expert Witness Testimony for a Personal Injury Lawsuit Cost?
In many cases, expert witness testimony for a personal injury lawsuit will cost you money. Personal injury expert witnesses often charge by the hour, so their costs will vary based on how much work you’ll need them to do during your case.
Do I Need to Call on Expert Witnesses for a Personal Injury Case?
No, you don’t need to call on expert witnesses for a personal injury case. However, a personal injury expert witness might help strengthen a weak case or put an already strong case over the top.