One of the most important parts of a personal injury case is gathering and organizing compelling evidence to support your claim. Whether you are filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you must have proof that the accident took place, that the other party caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in your damages and losses. Expert witnesses provide testimony and contribute to the success of personal injury cases. Speak to a New Jersey personal injury lawyer to discover how expert witness testimony may benefit your case.
What is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is an individual who has significant experience in their profession and specific knowledge in their field of expertise. Their qualifications make them sound sources of information and logic when it comes to certain aspects of a case.
For example, an expert witness could be a medical professional like a surgeon who operated on the victim. They can offer testimony about their diagnosis, the severity of the individual’s injuries, costs of medical expenses, estimated time of recovery, required treatments, and more. Without their help, a jury may not understand the full extent of the medical impact that the accident had on the victim.
The goal of expert witnesses is to provide credibility, educate the jury or insurance provider, and influence settlements and the outcome of the case.
What Do Expert Witnesses Do in a Personal Injury Case?
Expert witnesses can benefit a personal injury case in many ways. They offer helpful testimony that can bolster an individual’s claim and help ensure they are adequately compensated for their losses. Their statements can significantly influence the outcome of an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
As established, medical experts can offer testimony on the impact of the victim’s injuries. A financial expert may be beneficial as well in totaling the individual’s associated expenses. After examining the following they can testify about the amount of financial compensation the victim should receive and how they calculated those numbers.
- Medical bills like hospital stays, surgeries, medication, treatments, physical therapy, rehabilitation, home care, etc.
- Estimated costs of ongoing and future care
- Changes in earning capacity
- Lost wages, commissions, and financial opportunities from time taken off work
- Estimates to repair property damage
Accident reconstruction specialists can also prove beneficial in an injury case by using their knowledge and experience to recreate details of the accident. This skill can help establish liability and give the jury a deeper understanding of how the accident happened.
Is Expert Witness Testimony Admissible in Court?
Yes, expert witness testimony is admissible in court. Professionals can offer information and explanations to help the jury understand certain pieces of evidence or issues relevant to the case. They must be qualified based on their experience, knowledge, education, and training. It should also be noted that experts are not generally allowed to speculate. They must present their findings and professional opinions based on factual evidence, data, and reliable methods used in their field.
