What Do Expert Witnesses Do?

After a serious accident, getting the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering can feel overwhelming. With so many details to prove, how can you ensure your case stands up in court?

Evidence can make or break the outcome in personal injury cases. Expert witnesses offer specialized knowledge to help explain technical details that might otherwise be hard to understand.

If you are filing a personal injury case—whether it’s related to a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident, or a defective product—you need to understand the important role expert witnesses play and how their expertise helps Syracuse personal injury lawyers build a stronger case to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is an individual who has specific knowledge, skills, or experience in a field relevant to the case. Their qualifications must meet specific criteria established by the legal system, which typically include advanced degrees, professional certifications, or extensive practical experience.

Unlike lay witnesses, who can testify only about facts they observed first-hand, expert witnesses can offer opinions based on their expertise, helping the court understand complex issues.

Types of Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases

In personal injury cases, different types of expert witnesses may be brought in to strengthen the claim. These categories can include:

Accident Reconstruction Experts

Accident reconstruction experts analyze the circumstances surrounding an accident to determine how it occurred. They might use physics, engineering principles, and accident scene evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to a car crash. 

Their insights help establish liability by providing objective evidence regarding vehicle speed, impact angles, and drivers’ actions. This expertise can be vital in cases where liability is disputed.

Economic or Vocational Experts

In personal injury cases, economic or vocational experts evaluate the financial impact of the injuries on your earning potential. They can assess how the injuries have affected your ability to work, calculate lost wages, and project future earning capacity.

This information helps the court determine appropriate compensation for lost income and ensures that you receive fair financial support for your recovery.

Manufacturing Experts

In product liability cases, manufacturing experts may be called to testify about the design and safety of a product that contributed to the injury. They can provide insights into whether the product was defectively designed or manufactured, potentially establishing liability for the manufacturer.

Their expertise can be critical in cases where faulty equipment or vehicles are involved in an accident.

Medical Experts

Medical experts testify regarding the extent and nature of your injuries following an accident. They can explain how the injuries were caused, the necessary treatment, and the long-term implications for your health and quality of life.

This expert testimony contributes to establishing the impact of the injuries on your life and can affect the amount of compensation sought.

Mental Health Experts

Mental health experts can evaluate the psychological impact of an accident. They may diagnose conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression resulting from the experience.

Their testimony can help establish your emotional and psychological state, which can be critical in determining overall compensation, including non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Calculating Damages: The Role of Expert Witnesses

Calculating damages involves understanding the long-term impacts on your health, finances, and quality of life. Expert witnesses can assess the extent of your injuries and provide a realistic calculation of the financial support needed for recovery. Here’s how their specialized knowledge contributes:

• Medical Expenses: Experts estimate current and future expenses for ongoing care, rehabilitation, or even potential surgeries you may need. For example, in a case of partial paralysis after a slip-and-fall incident, they might assess the costs of in-home care, physical therapy, or specialized medical equipment.
• Lost Wages and Earning Potential: Economic experts calculate lost wages for time missed due to the injury as well as lost future earning potential. For example, if a defective drug injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits your working hours, economic experts estimate the income you would have earned over your lifetime, adjusted for career growth and inflation.
• Pain and Suffering: In New York, accident victims are eligible for non-economic damages if they sustain a severe injury, including permanent disfigurement or disability.

Medical and mental health experts can provide insights into the level of physical pain, psychological trauma, and emotional distress caused by the accident. In cases involving severe injuries, they may present findings on chronic pain, depression, or diminished ability to enjoy life, which helps the court understand the broader impact on your well-being.

By providing clear, well-supported opinions, expert witnesses help build a strong case for fair compensation, ensuring you receive the financial support you need to recover.

Partner With Experienced Syracuse Accident Lawyers

At Catalano Law, our experienced Syracuse personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you achieve the compensation you deserve. With our network of expert witnesses and skilled attorneys by your side, we’ll fight to secure the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on moving forward with peace of mind.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our team help you recover the full damages for your injuries.