Do You Need to Hire an Expert Witness in Your Personal Injury Case?

An expert witness is a person with specialized knowledge, skills, experience, training, or education who is called upon to provide testimony to help the judge and jury understand a complex or technical issue in a particular case. An expert witness did not see the accident happen but can provide independent information on an aspect of a personal injury claim based on their professional expertise.

In almost every personal injury claim, both the plaintiff and defendant hire one or more expert witnesses to strengthen their claims or disprove the claims of their opponent. Expert testimony can be used to provide insight into how an accident happened, establish the measure of an injured person’s damages, or explain the nature and extent of a person’s injuries and the type of medical treatment they received and can expect to need in the future.

An expert witness can play an important role in helping the judge and jury understand how an accident happened and the magnitude of damages the victim experienced. The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, frequently consults with expert witnesses in personal injury claims. We can analyze your situation and advise on whether your case will benefit from an expert witness.

What Is an Expert Witness?

Witnesses in a personal injury claim are generally grouped into one of two categories:

• Lay witnesses can share personal knowledge of what they observed or heard, whether at the accident scene or in describing the effect the accident had on the victim.
• Expert witnesses are people who, because of their specialized knowledge, training, or experience, can provide testimony during a legal proceeding that can help the judge or jury understand the facts of the case and come to a conclusion about the ultimate questions in a personal injury case. Expert witnesses are commonly called upon to explain complicated issues the average person may not understand or that require additional explanation. Unlike lay witnesses, experts are permitted to express an opinion on evidence at issue in the case.

Who Can Testify as an Expert Witness?

Several types of expert witnesses are commonly called upon to testify in a personal injury case.

• Medical experts like doctors, nurses, and other specialists can testify about the nature and extent of a person’s injuries, the care and treatment they received, their long-term prognosis, and how the person’s injuries can be expected to affect them in the future.
• Accident reconstruction experts use models to re-create how an accident happened and explain how the accident caused the victim’s injuries.
• Economic experts may be called upon to offer insight into the financial impact a person’s injuries will have on their future earnings.

When Can an Expert Witness Testify?

An expert witness can be helpful in many personal injury claims. Experts are often called upon to explain complex medical or financial information or help the judge or jury understand how an accident occurred, the forces at play, and how they affected the victim’s body to cause their injuries.

Expert witness testimony is not necessary in every personal injury claim. However, in many personal injury claims, expert testimony is required to explain the victim’s injuries and establish that they were caused by the accident. There is usually a cost associated with hiring an expert witness, which will be deducted from the compensation an injured person receives.

If your personal injury claim goes to court, you will likely need expert witness testimony to explain technically complex evidence.

The Role of Expert Witness Testimony in a Personal Injury Case

An expert witness can provide an unbiased opinion to help an injured person establish legal and financial liability in an accident. Expert witnesses are commonly called to reconstruct the accident and explain why the defendant was at fault.

Plaintiffs often work with expert witnesses to prove the extent of compensable losses caused by the defendant’s negligence or wrongful acts. For example, a medical expert can provide testimony to prove that a plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the accident in question and not some other cause. They can also explain the care and treatment the injured person received, why it was medically necessary, and prove that the costs associated with the treatment were reasonable and necessary. Similarly, a financial expert can explain how the person’s injuries will impair their ability to earn a living and project their lost income over the course of the victim’s working life.

Do You Need an Expert Witness in Your Personal Injury Case?

Your personal injury lawyer can provide advice on whether your claim will benefit from expert witness testimony. The Lebedevitch Law Firm frequently works with qualified experts who can share their professional opinions and testify in your case. We can help you assess whether your case will benefit from expert witness testimony and identify what kind(s) of experts will be best suited for your case.

If we believe your case will benefit from expert witness testimony, we will contact the appropriate experts(s) and work with them to ensure their opinion is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.

How the Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, Can Help

Stephen Lebedevitch is an experienced and sought-after personal injury attorney who proudly serves New Haven and Fairfield counties. He will carefully evaluate your case, provide an honest and forthright opinion on your likelihood of success, and work to obtain the compensation you and your family deserve.

To learn more, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case and how we can help.