Benefits of Expert Witnesses

In asbestos lawsuits, expert witnesses are necessary as part of the case. The role of an expert witness is to provide information to the jury that is not a matter of common knowledge. However, expert witnesses are said to be experts in their field or profession such as doctors. Therefore, some may question why they cannot use their own doctor to testify. This article will discuss the benefits of using an expert witness.

Examples and Benefits of Expert Witnesses

As mentioned in other articles expert witnesses are experts in their field and provide analysis based on scientifically sound evidence. Some expert witnesses used in asbestos cases include the following:

• Radiologists – these give testimony on X-rays or CT scans
• Pathologists – testify on tissue samples or differences in the types of cancer cells
• Oncologists – testify on various medical, gynecological and radiation oncology cancers and tumors, and various treatments and experimental therapies
• Pulmonologists – testify on matters of inhalation injuries, mesothelioma, lung cancer, etc.

However, it may seem to be an unnecessary cost to hire expensive outside experts to testify to your asbestos disease. Rather, than just asking your treating physician to testify in your behalf, stating the exact same thing. It is important to note that there are many benefits of using an expert witness. Some of these benefits are:

• Experience in testifying – experts in asbestos cases generally have testified in dozens or even hundreds of cases. Thus, they have created a reputation and are considered credible in the eyes of the jury. Further, their experience means they can anticipate the defense’s questions and will know the best way to present information.
• Causation – treating doctors are experts in treating, whereas expert witnesses are experts in causation. Pulmonologists concerns are you getting enough oxygen and will not know why asbestos fibers cause the damage that they do.
• Experts have other specialized medical knowledge. For example, they know how many asbestos fibers are in the lung tissue of a person unexposed to asbestos. They are able to identify different kinds of asbestos fibers. And provide an overview of current and historical scientific literature regarding position of asbestos-related diseases.