If you have suffered an injury due to another party’s negligence, you may have a viable personal injury case. However, proving liability and damages can be challenging without credible experts to strengthen your claim. This is where retaining qualified expert witnesses becomes critical.
Given the complex legal and medical issues in personal injury cases, experts provide the specialized knowledge and testimony needed to prove your case. Their insights can mean the difference between winning and losing your lawsuit.
The Prevalence of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases are extremely common in the United States. Approximately 39.5 million cases involving injuries require medical treatment each year, which amounts to about 126 cases per 1000 people annually. According to Mike Hall, a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer, the growth of so many personal injury claims highlights the critical role of expert witnesses in demonstrating liability and awarding fair compensation.
The Function of Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses are professionals who can provide specialized knowledge to support your case. There are over 784 recognized experts across the country who consult on personal injury lawsuits. Their testimony carries significant weight, as they are considered authorities in their respective fields. Expert witnesses can opine on critical issues like standard of care breaches, causation of injuries, and economic losses.
Common Types of Experts
Several types of expert witnesses are routinely used in injury cases:
- Medical experts like doctors can analyze injuries, treatment, and prognosis. They can determine if medical standards were violated.
- Accident reconstructionists investigate how collisions occurred and identify safety defects.
- Engineers can speak to defective products or hazardous property conditions.
- Economists calculate lost income and future medical costs.
- Vocational experts analyze how injuries impact earnings capacity.
Demonstrating Liability
A pivotal aspect of personal injury lawsuits is demonstrating how the defendant’s negligent actions directly caused your injuries and losses. Skilled experts can strengthen liability arguments by offering scientific and factual evidence showing how the defendant breached their duty. For example, an accident reconstructionist might point out how a driver was speeding and did not brake in time. Or a doctor could highlight how your injuries align with the accident circumstances.
Proving Damages
You must also prove the extent of damages you suffered, which can influence the potential value of your claim. Economic experts are invaluable for presenting thorough calculations of financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Vocational experts can assess how permanent disabilities may decrease your earnings long-term. The right personal injury attorney will know which experts will be helpful in your case.
Filing Personal Injury Claims on the Rise
With nearly 400,000 personal injury claims submitted yearly across America, demand for experts is rising. In fact, personal injury and product liability lawsuits surged 78% in the past year. As claims increase, having access to specialists who can strengthen your case is more important than ever.
Leveraging the right experts can make all the difference in winning your personal injury lawsuit. Their credentials and unbiased perspectives significantly bolster the merits of your claim. With sound expert testimonies, you stand the best chance of recouping full and fair compensation.
