A catastrophic injury is when an injury has a significant negative impact on a person’s life. Disability, long-term medical problems, or reduced life expectancy each might be the reason for a catastrophic injury claim for an insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit.
When making a catastrophic injury claim, it is important to substantiate your claim with solid evidence. One of the most effective types of evidence when proving the long-term impact of your injury is expert witness testimony.
Who are Expert Witnesses?
An expert witness is someone with professional knowledge of matters relevant to your case. They can provide a professional opinion or expert insights that support your claim.
Types of expert witnesses that might be helpful in a catastrophic injury claim include:
- Medical professionals
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Occupational health experts
- Toxicologists
- Forensic engineers
- Vocational experts
- Economists
- Life care planners
Why Should You Utilize Expert Witnesses?
When making a catastrophic injury claim, your biggest challenge is proving the long-term negative impact on your life caused by the injury. An expert witness can enhance the credibility of your claim by backing it with both relevant data and examples from similar cases they are familiar with.
They will be able to provide professional and unbiased testimony regarding your injury. This will make it possible to clearly and effectively quantify the damages without the heady emotion that can come from recently experiencing an injury or trauma.
What to Look for in an Expert Witness?
When seeking an expert witness for your catastrophic injury claim, there are several factors to consider. First, select among available professionals with the right qualifications and certifications to speak professionally regarding your case.
It can also help if they have experience relevant to your specific type of injury and its long-term consequences. Lastly, look for someone with a track record of providing expert testimony in similar cases. This will help them provide clear, reasoned arguments that are persuasive in court.
How Expert Witnesses Can Influence Your Case Outcome
An expert witness statement can provide significant benefit to your case. They can help to clarify complex medical issues and paint a clear picture of how a complex issue might impact your life. They can help to establish the extent of your injuries and the amount of future care you will likely need.
Through their experience, they can also demonstrate the impact the injury is likely to have on your ability to work and your overall quality of life. Clear, concise, and professional statements of this nature will give the court a better idea of your situation, even if explaining the injury is challenging.
Supporting Your Catastrophic Injury Claim
When making a catastrophic injury claim, the claimant bears the burden of proof that the injury will cause a long-term negative impact on life quality and earning capacity. An expert witness is one of the best ways to provide that proof through each expert’s professional observations and experience.
The key is to choose expert witnesses who can explain your injury and support specific claims of long-term impact such as disability status, rehabilitation prognosis, psychological aftermath, medical care needs, or your ability to work.
Legal Services for Catastrophic Injury
If you have experienced a catastrophic injury, you do not have to face it alone. The legal team of Rhoades & Morrow can help you pursue a claim for the financial support you will need for care, recovery, and lost wages as a result of your injury. We are here to offer assistance with catastrophic injury claims. You are welcome to schedule a consultation by calling (302) 427-9500.
