What is Expert Witness?
A person with specialized knowledge, training, or experience who is allowed to offer opinion testimony to help the jury understand technical or scientific issues.
Understanding Expert Witness
Experts are used in personal injury cases to explain injuries, causation, damages, and standards of care. Common experts include medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, economists, and vocational specialists. Their opinions must be based on reliable methodology.
Examples
- 1Orthopedic surgeon explaining spinal injury
- 2Accident reconstructionist determining fault
- 3Economist calculating lost earning capacity
Related Terms
Statute of Limitations
A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statute of limitations expires, the claim is typically barred forever.
Settlement
An agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. Settlements typically involve the defendant paying the plaintiff an agreed-upon sum in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit where each party can obtain evidence from the opposing party through various methods including interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents.
Deposition
Sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness or party that is recorded for later use in court proceedings. Depositions are a key part of the discovery process.
Demand Letter
A formal letter sent to an insurance company or opposing party outlining the facts of the case, injuries sustained, and the amount of compensation being sought.
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