Courtroom dramas are all about a witness’s testimony. It often means a “surprise” reveal where a clever attorney gets a witness to admit something that proves the case beyond a reasonable doubt. In a personal injury case, you only have to prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence, and witnesses will play a vital role in determining the outcome of your claim.
All witnesses present evidence to a jury that supports either the plaintiff or the defendant. Witnesses fall into the following three categories:
- Lay Witness
- Character Witness
- Expert Witness
A lay witness is also known as a fact witness. They present testimony based on direct knowledge of the facts in a case. They can be called on to share what they saw or experienced. You might testify as to how you were injured and what impact that injury had on your life. Someone who saw the accident would also be a lay witness.
A character witness provides testimony about the reputation of the persons involved in the case.
An expert witness is a professional with specialized knowledge who provides an informed opinion on various aspects of your case. Depending on the scenario, expert witnesses can significantly impact or even determine the outcome of a personal injury case.
When you work with a skilled Alexandria personal injury lawyer to support your case, they will most likely recommend an expert witness to support your version of events.
What Are the Different Types of Expert Witnesses?
The type of expert witness you need depends on the nature of your case. Which of the following expert witnesses would benefit your personal injury claim?
Medical Experts
Before you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Virginia, you need to provide a certificate of merit.
This is an affidavit from a medical expert who practices in the same field of medicine related to your case. When it is time for your trial, that medical expert might be called to testify on your behalf. It is also likely that additional medical experts could be called on who have first-hand knowledge of your injuries.
That can include the doctor who treated you.
A medical expert can testify to the extent of the injuries, the recovery process, the level of pain, and the prognosis for the recovery. A qualified medical expert witness can explain a treatment or procedure that a jury will be able to comprehend.
Economic Experts
An economic expert can discuss the financial implications of your injury. This can include information about lost wages incurred and the loss of future earning potential. There are also financial considerations related to the cost of current and future medical care.
An economic expert breaks down the value of the damages and what you should be compensated for your financial losses.
Subject Matter Experts
If your personal injury involves a defective product, a subject matter expert might be called to testify about how the product was designed, engineered, and how it is supposed to work.
They can also speak about the defect that caused the injury. A subject matter expert can also be called on in a premises liability claim to discuss the operations of a property and detail the incident that caused the slip and fall accident.
Accident Reconstructionist Expert
In a car accident claim, an accident reconstruction expert can provide visuals, such as graphics and animations, to the jury that show how the accident happened. These visuals are based on all the collected evidence and can be viewed from multiple angles.
How to Use Expert Witnesses to Strengthen a Case
Expert witnesses play a critical role in strengthening a case. They can break down complex issues in a way that makes them accessible to jury members. An expert witness also reinforces the credibility of the evidence. In other words, if their expertise reinforces the facts, it lends credibility to the matter.
They also help establish causation. That is the connection between the defendant’s negligence and the actual injury.
Selecting the Right Expert Witness
To prevail in your personal injury case, your attorney needs to select the right expert witness to support your claim. The attorneys at Curcio Law have a network of experts across all our practice areas.
We have prevailed in many civil lawsuits with the support of our expert witness selection. No matter what type of personal injury you’re dealing with, we can provide the support and guidance you need to make the right decision about how to pursue your claim.
Call to schedule a free consultation to discuss what happened, and let’s see how we can help.
