Types of Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Types of Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits are complex. Sometimes, the court may need the professional of professionals to clarify certain aspects of the lawsuit. Take the case of a truck accident, for example. The plaintiff claims that brake failure caused the crash. A mechanical engineer may examine the braking system. Using their professional, they can determine whether the failure was due to maintenance negligence or a manufacturing defect. Their testimony can help the court decide who is to blame. The mechanical engineer here is an expert witness. Keep reading to learn about the different types of professional witnesses in personal injury lawsuits. 

The Importance of Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Lawsuits 

Personal injury claims can arise from all kinds of situations. “Jurors from different backgrounds may not fully understand technical aspects of the case. A doctor, for example, may not understand how a truck’s braking system works, just as a mechanical engineer may not fully grasp the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury,” says Personal injury attorney Michael McCready of McCready Law Injury Attorneys. Expert witnesses are essential as these individuals are helpful in a particular field. They bring specific knowledge to the courtroom, helping the jury understand key details that can shape the outcome of a case. Below are some of the different types of professional witnesses:

Establishing Injury Causes, Severity, and Future Needs

Medical Professional testimony can help the court in many ways. A lawyer may call a doctor to establish the cause of your injury when the defendant argues it was pre-existing. If the extent of damage is in question, they can testify to the severity of the injury. Finally, a medical economist can help the jury understand the plaintiff’s future medical needs.

Analyzing Causes and Determining Liability in Court

Knowing how the accident occurred can help the jury determine who is liable. Accident reconstruction professionals apply scientific evidence and knowledge to analyze the causes and dynamics of accidents. They investigate the case and present their findings to the court. Their testimony helps jurors understand contributing factors and whether negligence was involved.

Quantifying the Financial Impact of Injury in Legal Cases. 

An economic professional helps the jury understand the financial impact of the injury. This professional assesses and quantifies your economic damages. Damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs. Generally, they ensure the accurate calculation of awards, avoiding underestimation or overestimation.

Assessing Work Limitations and Career Alternatives After Injury

Say you are a construction worker who has broken your arm. A vocational professor will explain to the jury how the injury impacts your ability to work. They will assess your medical situation and determine whether you can return to your job site. If this isn’t possible, they may also suggest alternative career paths.

Addressing Long-Term Medical and Personal Care Needs for Permanent Injuries.

Personal injury can result in disabilities and lifelong complications. Victims of permanent injuries and disabilities are often eligible for future medical costs. A life care plan develops a plan for your long-term medical and personal care needs.

Assessing the Emotional and Mental Impact of Personal Injury.

The impacts of personal injury often extend beyond physical, affecting victims emotionally and psychologically. Unlike economic damages, these effects are abstract. They are not as easily quantified. Here, psychological experts evaluate the mental and emotional toll. These professionals assess conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Analyzing the Role of Drugs and Substances in Personal Injury Cases. 

Toxicology professionals explain the role of drugs and substances in causing or exacerbating the injury. A case may involve someone suffering severe health consequences or dying due to a drug overdose. Here, a toxicology professional can determine the concentration of the drugs in the victim’s system. They can testify to the court whether the levels were lethal and whether they contributed to the outcome.

Conclusion

These are just a few professional witnesses who commonly testify in personal injury cases. The reality is that any professional is subject to being called in, as their testimony can clarify things for the jury. Your lawyer will determine the type of professional witness to hire based on your case’s circumstances.