Nearly all medical malpractice cases require testimony from a medical expert. The facts involved in determining negligence and liability in these cases are simply too complex to rely on the conclusions of a non-medical expert, which is why many states require the opinion of a medical malpractice expert witness before initiating a lawsuit.
If you’re an attorney and you need an expert witness to assist during litigation or negotiations with the insurance company, contact Cardinal LifeCare Consulting. We can connect you with physicians, nurse practitioners, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare specialists with experience serving as expert witnesses.
We also create comprehensive, evidence-based life care plans. Call 724-487-0519 today to learn more.
When Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Expert Witness?
Before trial starts, the defendants and plaintiffs must have medical experts and disclose their testimony to the court. If either side fails to disclose this testimony before the deadline, the court will usually rule in favor of the other party. There are certain cases when an expert opinion is not required, but many states require the opinion of a medical malpractice expert witness before the lawsuit begins.
Medical malpractice attorneys should prioritize finding an expert witness early. Qualified expert witnesses can be difficult to locate. At Cardinal LifeCare, we make the process much easier by connecting attorneys with qualified expert witnesses in a wide range of medical disciplines.
What Does a Medical Malpractice Expert Witness Do?
Medical expert witnesses are tasked with evaluating the facts of a case to determine if the healthcare provider followed the standard of care for providers in the same position, and if a failure to follow the standard of care resulted in an injury to the patient. When determining if the standard of care was followed, the expert witness will discern whether a competent healthcare provider would have acted differently in the same situation. The witness may reference medical board guidelines, medical publications, and other resources to determine the applicable standard of care.
The medical expert witness will then testify regarding whether the provider’s failure to follow the standard of care resulted in an injury to the patient. Since there are many factors that can contribute to a particular patient outcome, the expert will have to explain the likelihood that the provider’s incompetence was the actual cause of the injury.
Find a Medical Malpractice Expert Witness
If you’re an attorney searching for a medical malpractice expert witness to assist with your case, contact Cardinal LifeCare Consulting. Call 724-487-0519 to learn about our expert witness and life care planning services.
