subject: Picking The Right Dental Expert Witness [print this page] Unless they have perfect straight, strong, healthy teeth then most people do not enjoy going to the dentist. Most of us put great trust in the dentist to know what they are doing and to complete the work to a good standard without causing any unnecessary pain to the patient. Unfortunately things can occasionally go wrong. When this happens that patient may feel that they have no choice but to bring a lawsuit against the dentist. This is when they might need a dental expert witness.
it is unfortunate when a lawsuit becomes necessary, but it is at this point that an expert witness could win the case for you. Although over half of the claims filed are won by the claimant, this leaves a lot that are lost. Picking the right medical expert witness could make the case.
Treatment that has gone wrong can cause pain which is both physical and emotional. Proving that this pain exists can be tricky. An expert witness can present the facts in a manner which is clear and unbiased. It is their job to look at the case and work out exactly what occurred and what went wrong.
Some experts will appear in front of the jury to present their findings, while others will merely write a report. Regardless of the form that their evidence takes, they must present the evidence in language that can be understood by the jury. However, they must also be aware of all the newest technology in their field.
A medical expert must prove that they are up to date in all of their training. They need to show that they are aware of all the latest advances and understand them. They need this level of expertise to explain it all to the jury, and to prove why the jury should believe their evidence over other experts that might be testifying.
Any kind of medical expert witness has to be a specialist in their particular field, and must have at least five years experience. Those who teach in their chosen field are often preferred because it immediately demonstrates their knowledge of that subject. If they are retired then it should have been for no more than two years or else the opposing side might be able to argue that their knowledge is out of date.
Some experts who testify in front of juries may be needed more than once, so it helps if they live near enough to easily attend court. Ideally they should be used to testifying and familiar with the techniques that might be used by lawyers to discredit them. They should have no problem testifying against colleagues.
It is unpleasant enough having something go wrong in the dentists chair, and having to deal with the pain caused by something going wrong. Picking the right dental expert witness can make dealing with a malpractice suit an awful lot easier. If you have someone who can present all the facts clearly and with authority then you will stand a much better chance of winning.
