Medical Expert Witnesses And Your Personal Injury Case

When someone is seriously injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions, or inactions, of another individual or business, they may be able to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and losses. If a personal injury lawsuit is filed, a victim may need to consider utilizing the services of a medical expert witness to substantiate their injury claims. The decision to retain expert testimony is extremely important and typically requires the advice and counsel of a personal injury lawyer. If you experienced injuries as a result of an accident due to someone else’s negligence, consider visiting with our experienced personal injury attorneys at Tyroler Injury Law. We are a personal injury law firm based in Minnesota that focuses on representing people seriously injured in various types of accidents and incidents. We would welcome the opportunity to visit with you and help ensure your legal rights remain protected. Contact our legal team today for a free, confidential case review at (651) 259-1113.

Understanding Medical Expert Witnesses

According to the Expert Institute , medical expert witnesses are professionals working in the medical field such as physicians, surgeons, and/or nurse practitioners. Their skills and professional experience provide a level of expertise to the point where they can provide testimony regarding a particular area of medical treatment. A physician expert witness may be needed in a personal injury or medical malpractice case since the plaintiff carries the legal burden of establishing that the plaintiff was injured and their injury was proximately caused by the defendant. Expert witness testimony can be utilized to substantiate the claims made by the plaintiff concerning their bodily injuries, medical treatment, and the impact the injuries have had on the victim as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Benefits of Retaining Medical Expert Witness Testimony

An expert medical witness can provide an array of benefits in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, medical expert witnesses routinely bring a level of specialization and knowledge, professional experience, education, and training. The testimony of a reputable health professional or a treating physician can make a major impact on the outcome of your personal injury case. In addition, some types of personal injury cases in the state of Minnesota actually require an expert opinion to conduct an initial review to assess the viability of the case. For example, according to Minnesota Statute Section 145.682, the review of an expert is required for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To learn more about whether or not your case will need a medical expert, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Tyroler Injury Law today.

Effective Medical Expert Witnesses

The selection and vetting of the testifying expert is extremely important since not every medical expert witness is suited or qualified for expert witness work and therefore shouldn’t testify in your case. For example, a medical expert witness should be Board Certified with specific, applicable experience in a medical field relevant to your personal injury case. In addition to being Board Certified and having specific experience in a relevant area of medicine, other important factors in selecting competent and qualified medical expert testimony include:

  • The professional training and educational background of the expert
  • Work experience, clinical practice and ensuring the expert has a demonstrated professional background with the specific conditions, treatments, and/or procedures relevant in your case.
  • Ability to communicate effectively during depositions and at trial. This is important because medical expert witnesses are called to testify and explain evidence in an attempt to break down complex medical issues and procedures that may be confusing to your average juror. This is why it is important to retain a medical expert witness who can adeptly translate medical jargon into understandable and digestible testimony.

The Cost of Retaining Medical Expert Witnesses

It is important to understand that competent and qualified medical expert witnesses do not work for free. In fact, retaining qualified medical experts can be quite expensive. This is why it is so important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to assess whether it makes sense to retain a medical expert in your particular personal injury case. There are situations where the cost of a medical testimony is simply not justified, especially if you are seeking a fairly small sum of damages from the lawsuit.

If your personal injury case involves a sufficient amount of damages where it makes economic sense to retain a medical expert witness, do not be concerned about having to pay a large sum out of pocket. If you have hired a personal injury lawyer, they will typically cover the cost of the medical expert witness and, hopefully, recover that expense if you receive financial restitution through a settlement or jury verdict. Most personal injury attorneys do not require a victim to pay any fees upfront, but rather work on a contingency fee basis (only receive payment after a victim receives compensation for their claim).

Finding Medical Expert Witnesses

Finding a competent and qualified medical expert witness is not an easy task, especially if you are attempting to do it alone. It requires a significant investment of time and research to ensure you are selecting a medical expert who can materially impact your personal injury case. There are several different nuances that may require different types of medical experts for your case. Consider visiting with a personal injury lawyer who has access to a network of respected medical experts and can put that network to use on your behalf, in order for you to receive compensation for your injuries and losses related to your accident.

Have Questions About the Impact of Medical Expert Witnesses in a Personal Injury Case? Contact Tyroler Injury Law

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or losses in an accident caused by the actions, or inaction, of another individual or business, you may have the right to receive compensation for your medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, future loss of wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages. Consider visiting with our experienced attorneys at Tyroler Injury Law at (651) 259-1113 to help ensure your legal rights remain protected by using a medical expert witness if necessary in your personal injury case.

Attorney Isaac Tyroler

Attorney Isaac Tyroler has been a strong advocate for injured people his entire legal career. He has a passion for righting wrongs, and he deeply cares about representing injured clients who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to navigate the legal system. He is compassionate toward clients and aggressive with insurance companies and defendants. He is on the elected Board of Governors of the Minnesota Association of Justice (MAJ), the top personal injury lawyers’ group in Minnesota. And is currently the chair of MAJ’s legislative committee. [ Attorney Bio ]