After a catastrophic accident, you may be considering legal action against those responsible for your injuries. A personal injury claim or lawsuit may be the only way to get the financial support and resources you need to move forward. But winning a complex injury case often requires more than just your own testimony about what happened. You may need expert witnesses on your side.
At Desai Law, our skilled Morgantown personal injury lawyers regularly work with expert witnesses to build the strongest case possible for our seriously injured clients. We understand the challenges of proving liability and damages in high-stakes injury claims. Our extensive experience and resources allow us to retain well-credentialed experts who can provide clear, compelling testimony on your behalf.
If you’ve suffered a life-changing injury, don’t try to go it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the full compensation you deserve.
What is Expert Witness Testimony?
In a legal case, a witness is someone with personal knowledge of the facts at issue, such as an eyewitness to a car accident. In contrast, an expert witness is someone with specialized knowledge who can help explain complex topics to the judge and jury.
Expert witnesses are often used in personal injury cases to provide professional opinions on key issues that are beyond the general knowledge of a layperson.
Some common examples of experts in injury cases include:
- Medical doctors who can explain the extent and long-term effects of an injury
- Accident reconstruction specialists who can piece together how a crash occurred
- Engineers who can identify design or manufacturing defects in a faulty product
- Economics experts who can calculate the financial losses from an injury
- Life care planners who can detail the ongoing care an injury victim will need
This specialized knowledge is often used to prove two main aspects of an injury case: liability (fault for the accident) and damages (the harm caused by the accident).
For example, if you were hurt in a truck accident, proving the trucker was liable may require an expert in federal trucking regulations to explain how the driver violated the rules. Or if you suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may need a neurologist to explain to the jury how the injury has impacted your cognitive function and ability to work.
These experts have the credentials, experience, and training to offer opinions that will be given substantial weight by a judge and jury. Their testimony can be the linchpin in getting you the compensation you need after a serious accident.
When is Expert Testimony Needed?
Not every personal injury case requires expert witnesses. In relatively simple matters, like a minor car accident with soft tissue injuries, the facts may speak for themselves. However, the more complicated the accident and the more severe the injuries are, the more likely expert testimony will be necessary to prove your case.
Some common situations that may call for expert testimony include:
Crashes with Multiple Vehicles or Unclear Fault
If you were injured in a multi-car pileup or an accident with disputed liability, expert testimony may be crucial to show who was at fault. Accident reconstruction experts can use evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements to create detailed diagrams, 3D models, and even animations to show a judge and jury exactly how the crash occurred.
By bringing in an objective expert who can clearly explain the physics behind the crash and the actions of each driver, you can powerfully illustrate the other party’s negligence. This expert testimony may be the key to proving fault and holding the responsible party accountable.
Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical negligence cases almost always require expert testimony from a medical professional in the same field as the doctor who hurt you. These experts can review your medical records and explain how your doctor failed to meet the proper standard of care.
For example, if you were injured by a surgical error, you would likely need a surgeon to testify about the mistake and how a reasonably competent surgeon would have done things differently. These expert opinions are often necessary to establish the medical professional’s liability.
Long-Term or Permanent Impairment
The more serious your injuries, the more important expert testimony becomes in proving the extent of your damages. If your injuries have left you with permanent impairments or disabilities, you’ll need medical experts to explain to the jury how the accident has impacted your health, relationships, and future.
For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury that paralyzed you from the waist down, you’ll need medical experts to detail how your injury impacts every aspect of your life and the extensive ongoing care you’ll require. Vocational experts can discuss how your injuries affect your ability to work and earn a living. Economic experts can calculate your projected lifetime costs and financial losses from the injury.
These expert opinions can be incredibly powerful in showing the jury the true extent of your losses. By quantifying your damages through well-qualified experts, you can maximize your chances of getting every dollar you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Seek Help from a Morgantown Personal Injury Lawyer
In West Virginia, you generally only have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury suit. This may seem like a lot of time, but building a strong case that includes solid expert testimony takes many months of hard work.
The sooner you contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of a successful outcome. We can get started right away to investigate your case, gather evidence, and retain the expert witnesses you need.
At Desai Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay us a dime unless we recover money for you. Call our Morgantown office today at (304) 974-1974 to learn how we can put our skills, experience, and resources to work for you.
