An expert witness is an individual who is allowed to testify on a trial due to their knowledge in a field that relates to a case. When it comes to medical malpractice cases, it is mandatory to have an expert witness testify about how a medical professional’s deviation from standards of care, injured a patient. An expert witness in Hudson Valley medical malpractice cases plays a pivotal role in the outcome of a verdict. A case will be dismissed if there is no professional present.

If you have been injured due to medical malpractice, contact a Hudson Valley medical malpractice lawyer. An experienced attorney could ensure that you have all the right people on your side to defend your case.

Who Can Be an Expert Witness in a Hudson Valley Malpractice Case?

Anyone can be an expert witness in Hudson Valley medical malpractice cases so long as they are familiar with and qualified to address standards of care. Under New York State law, a physician can testify about another physician’s deviation from the standard of care, even if they work in different specialties.

Types of Experts Attorneys Defer To

Finding an expert witness in Hudson Valley medical malpractice cases is not complicated. Attorneys can defer to medical professionals in any field. That being said, they prefer to find experts with a background in whatever issue they are testifying about. For example, if attorneys are dealing with a case with a fetal-maternal hemorrhage involving an infant with spastic quadriplegia, they would try to find an authoritative expert on the topic of fetal-maternal hemorrhage.

It is possible to have one of the treating physicians of a plaintiff testify as an expert witness. However, this is rare. In most cases, treating physicians refuse to give an opinion regarding deviations from the standard of care by another physician they work with. Attorneys generally have to go outside of the immediate area to find an expert witness who is willing to testify.

When to Use an Expert Witness

Attorneys will typically make the expert witness in Hudson Valley medical malpractice cases testify first. This is because the witness will be able to address the deviations from the standard of care and how the deviations harmed a patient immediately. Such a testimony will lay the groundwork for the jury.

How Much Weight do Expert Witnesses Testimonies Hold?

The testimony of an expert witness is often the deciding factor in a medical malpractice trial. If an expert is credible, believable, presents themselves well, and communicates well, the jury is likely to believe them.

If a medical practitioner has never been an expert witness, they could lose their composure, stumble over their words, and ultimately make themselves appear less credible. It is incredibly important that expert witnesses have experience testifying.

Contacting a Hudson Valley Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you have been injured or impacted by medical practice in any way, contact a Hudson Valley medical malpractice lawyer. Getting an experienced expert witness in Hudson Valley medical practice cases can make or break a trial. Speak to a qualified lawyer who could make sure you are surrounded by a team of people that want to get you the justice you deserve.