It is every personal injury lawyer’s job to present their client’s case persuasively. This is to ensure that the client will be able to maximize their financial claim and recovery. In personal injury cases, the plaintiff must prove that the injuries sustained are the result of the negligence of the defendant. To be able to do this, lawyers often seek the help of expert witnesses.
An expert witness is someone who has professional knowledge, skill, experience, and relevant training to a particular field. An expert witness is called to explain the technical and complicated aspects involved in a personal injury case.
Types of Expert Witnesses
There are many types of expert witnesses that a lawyer may use. Here are the most common ones for personal injury cases.
- Accident Reconstruction Expert
In vehicular accidents and crashes, it is not always evident how the accident came to be. In the chaos and confusion that follows, it is not always clear who and what caused the accident. An accident reconstruction expert can help you to present and strengthen your case, and prove the negligence of the other party. These experts trained in physics, mathematics, and the science involved in vehicular collisions.
With the help of an accident reconstruction expert, you can establish the following to help your case:
- The speed of the involved vehicles before the collision
The experts can deduce this information from pieces of evidence in the crash scene. These pieces of evidence include the length of skid marks, the direction of skid marks, the damages to the vehicles involved, and speed information from the vehicle’s on-board system.
- The visibility of the drivers involved.
The experts will be able to determine what the drivers could see and what their blind spots were before the collision.
- What the driver could have done to avoid the accident.
An accident reconstruction expert can determine the amount of time the drivers involved had to avoid the accident. An expert can determine if the drivers had enough time to brake or take any evasive action.
- The traffic rules and regulations that apply to the scene of the crash.
- Vocational Expert
A vocational expert is needed to illustrate the following to the jury:
- The job capability of the injured before the accident.
- The available jobs to the injured after the accident
- The effect of the injuries to the client’s working capabilities
- The effect of the injuries to the client’s earning potential
A vocational expert can help establish that the client’s injuries have reduced his earning abilities, therefore affecting his lifestyle and his future. These experts are commonly utilized in social security disability, workers compensation, and any other injury that can alter your ability to earn future income.
- Economists
An economist can help the jury or an insurance company fully understand the client’s losses because of the accident. An economist is needed when the economic loss is substantial and can derail the lifestyle of the client and his family. The expert will be able to project the client’s long term economic loss as a result of the accident.
- Engineers
Lawyers hire engineers to help them in slip and fall cases. Engineers have the capability to:
- Evaluate the structures where the accident occurred.
- Evaluate the physical hazards present.
- Assess if the structures adhere to the Construction and Safety Code of Michigan.
An engineer can help prove that there was negligence in the owner’s part of the establishment where the accident happened. Failure to comply with Michigan’s Construction and Safety Codes is also punishable by law.
- Orthopedic Surgeon
Personal injury lawyers always need the expertise of orthopedic surgeons. An orthopedic surgeon can present and explain the following to the jury:
- Surgical procedures necessary for the recovery of the client
- Recovery and rehabilitation protocols needed by the client
- Pain and suffering that comes with the injury sustained by the client
- The permanent physical disability that will be suffered by the client because of his injuries
- Neurologist
If the client sustained an injury in the brain, nerves, or his spinal cord, the lawyer would need the expertise of a neurologist. A neurologist can give his expert opinion to the following:
- Herniated discs
- Headaches and concussions
- Partial or total paralysis
- Pain as a result of nerve damage
- Plastic Surgeon
A plastic surgeon can give testimony, especially if the client has sustained lacerations and deep cuts causing scarring and disfigurement. He can provide his expert opinion whether the injury will leave a permanent scar to the client, or if plastic surgery is needed.
The location of the scarring can affect the impact on the client’s quality of life. It can also add a dramatic effect to the case.
A Trusted Lawyer Can Get You the Expert Witness That You Need for Your Case
Have you or a loved one sustained injuries because of the negligence of another party? Hire the best legal counsel that you can get in Michigan!
The Clark Law Office has been helping thousands of people in need in Michigan. We have a network of expert witnesses that can help you build and strengthen your case. Call us now for a free consultation.
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