When a medical malpractice claim arises, expert witnesses can be important in determining the case’s outcome. These individuals have specialized knowledge in the relevant field, such as medicine. They provide their professional opinions during legal proceedings to educate juries.
The testimony of these specialists plays an important role for several reasons.
Establishing a standard of care
Expert witnesses can help determine whether a medical professional provided the expected level of care. South Carolina laws determine this level by looking at what a competent healthcare professional with the same specialty would do in similar circumstances. Knowledgeable professionals can help explain details to the court. They can demonstrate how the doctor in your lawsuit caused harm by failing to meet this standard.
Providing professional opinions
Expert witnesses provide opinions based on their knowledge, experience and expertise in a particular field. In a medical malpractice case, they may:
- Evaluate medical records
- Perform examinations
- Analyze the healthcare provider’s actions
The things they say in court help the jury understand complicated medical matters and decide whether the defendant’s actions were negligent.
Assessing causation
Expert witnesses also help identify whether the defendant’s actions or omissions caused your damages. They review the medical evidence and assess how the defendant’s behavior may have created your situation. This process helps establish if the defendant was negligent. Proving negligence holds them responsible for your injuries.
Expert witnesses can clarify complex medical situations. They give credibility to malpractice claims by showing the link between the provider’s actions and your damages. They are an important part of seeking justice.
