Finding a Medical Expert for Your Malpractice Case
An expert witness is someone who has specialized skill, knowledge, education, or training in a specific field, allowing them to provide an informed perspective to laypersons. In medical malpractice cases, an expert witness’s testimony gives a judge or jury further knowledge of a certain medical specialty. An expert witness’s testimony is often crucial in medical malpractice suits, establishing what actions meet the medical standard of care in a specific field and which actions constitute negligence. By gaining further understanding of a specific field or area, a trier of fact (such as a judge or jury) is better able to examine the available evidence to determine the truth.
Obtaining expert witness testimony is key to a successful medical malpractice case. In this blog, our Anderson medical malpractice lawyers discuss what attributes constitute a credible expert witness, laying the framework for a successful case.
Qualities of a Credible Medical Expert Witness
A credible medical expert is:
Clear and Concise
We are all aware that medicine is complex, but no jury member (or judge, for that matter!) wants to hear a physician speak in medical jargon that nobody understands. An expert witness who explains the subject material in a clear and concise manner will hold more weight than a witness who does not attempt to break down complicated concepts. A witness will even win brownie points with the jury if they use charts or diagrams to further illustrate a medical condition or procedure.
Personable
While this may seem like a minor attribute, a personable expert witness is more likely to have their testimony seen as credible. Generally, a personable witness is someone who maintains a humble demeanor, remains calm and makes eye contact with the questioning attorney and the jury.
Objective
Even though the defense will likely place their own expert witness on the stand, the jury will give more credence to a witness that retains an impartial perspective. Any signs of anger, resentment, or disappointment will not bode well for the correlating party when the jury begins deliberations.
Experienced
According to South Carolina Rules of Evidence Rule 702, an expert witness does more than help a judge or jury understand the facts. An expert witness can help a trier of fact discern the veracity of an issue in dispute. By doing so, a medical expert can clarify what likely took place, which is central to determining whether a provider was negligent in administering care.
Confident
An expert witness who can clearly explain concepts without pausing or stuttering gives an air of confidence. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you want an expert witness who exudes confidence and keeps their composure when questioned by opposing counsel.
Selecting the Right Expert Witness Can Result in a Winning Case
Whereas most physicians have a profound knowledge of medical principles and adhere to the standard of care, even surpassing it, these qualities are not necessarily the makings of a convincing expert witness. Choosing the right expert witness requires someone who is confident, well-informed, clear, and objective about the subject matter.
When you work with the Anderson medical malpractice attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC, we are committed to crafting the strongest case in your favor. There is no denying that reliable expert witness testimony is a central component of medical malpractice cases, which is why we work with leading experts in their field. When you work with our legal team, you give yourself the greatest chance of a successful case outcome.
Victim of Medical Malpractice? Reach Out to Our Anderson Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
Selecting the right expert witness requires an innate knowledge of the legal system and what qualities will bode well with a jury or judge. At Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC, our legal team knows what evidence should be highlighted in an expert witness’s testimony to formulate a successful case. If you or a family member have recently fallen victim to medical malpractice, help is only a call away.
To learn more or schedule your free consultation with one of our Anderson medical malpractice lawyers, contact us online or give us a call at (864) 432-1796.