As an attorney with years of experience in the legal industry, you know all about expert witnesses. You know when to hire one for a case. You know the pros and cons. And you know the benefits of having one. But have you perfected the art of establishing a convincing expert opinion?
Expert witnesses play a crucial role in a case, and many times your expert’s testimony will determine whether you win or lose the case. It’s a make or break situation, and you depend on trustworthy, reliable expert witnesses.
But what happens when an expert witness backs out of your case for some unforeseen event or circumstance? Or you encounter hesitancy or difficulty in trying to schedule your expert for trial? And worst-case scenario: what happens with the death of an expert witness?
For those who love watching television, there’s no shortage of binge-worthy legal dramas out there right now. Hollywood seems to produce one hit after another, and there’s something about a cast of characters centered around jury trials and court depositions that captivates audiences. Is it the drama? The suspense? The pure ridiculousness?
As a professional in the legal industry, you probably critique every legal drama you watch. “That would never happen,” you say as you roll your eyes. Sometimes, however, you may watch a show that’s more realistic than ridiculous, and it may even give you ideas for your next trial.
Most healthcare providers are dedicated to the safety and well-being of their patients. Despite that effort, sometimes things go wrong. Some patients fall victim to healthcare negligence and turn to the legal system for help. Attorneys can examine a medical malpractice case to determine if they should pursue it.
Some people use the terms “expert consultants” and “expert witnesses” interchangeably. This gives the impression the two are the same, which is far from true.
Yes, expert consulting and expert witnessing have characteristics and responsibilities in common, but it’s critical to understand the difference between the two, especially before hiring an expert. This difference can make or break your case.
