Types of Expert Witnesses and When to Get One

Legal cases hinge on details. Without a clear and factual understanding of complex technical and financial matters, a judge or jury can’t give an informed verdict. This is where expert witnesses become important.

An expert witness has specialised knowledge, skills, training, and experience in a specific field and can provide testimony in legal proceedings. The benefit of calling an expert witness is straightforward: they break down complex injury jargon so that the jury and everyone else can understand.

Want to hire an expert witness, but don’t know where to begin? Learn the different types of expert witnesses to choose the right one for your case.

Construction Expert Witness

A construction expert witness provides unbiased, objective opinions on construction-related legal disputes. They have a deep understanding of construction processes and industry regulations, which lends credibility to their opinions.

An expert witness can help resolve a range of issues, such as:

Construction delays – assess the original project timeline and identify the responsible parties

Construction defects – evaluate alleged construction defects and their causes

Cost overruns – analyse budget overruns and allocate responsibility

Technical issues – provide opinions on installation and workmanship problems.

A construction expert witness will also create detailed reports, outlining their findings and the methodologies used. They help both parties reach mediation and settlement.

Medical Expert Witness

A medical expert witness has specialised medical knowledge and expertise, allowing them to simplify medical jargon. They can offer opinions on the medical aspects of a case, such as the cause of an injury, the recovery period, and whether proper care was given. 

For instance, in a medical malpractice case, an expert witness can evaluate whether or not a medical professional followed the standard of care. 

Vocational Experts

Vocational experts are responsible for analysing an individual’s work history, skills, and limitations to determine whether or not they can perform certain jobs. 

For instance, in a personal injury case, the amount of compensation depends on the victim’s ability to resume work. A vocational expert will consider all the aspects of the case and give testimony in court.

The importance of VEs is not limited to personal injury cases. In a divorce proceeding, a VE can assess the earning capacity of each party to determine an adequate amount for alimony or support.

Accident Reconstruction Expert

An accident reconstruction expert analyses a collision’s cause and contributing factors. They use the principles of engineering and physics to piece together the entire accident scene. Most accident reconstructionists collect the following evidence:

• Skid marks
• Debris patterns
• Road conditions and signage
• Damage to the vehicle
• Medical reports indicating head injuries and more

For instance, in a road accident, an accident reconstruction expert can help determine whether or not the driver’s actions contributed to the accident. They can also create a causal link between the plaintiff’s injuries and the cause of the accident. 

Accident reconstruction experts use advanced technologies, such as computer simulations and photogrammetry, to make the entire case clear as day. Their expertise can result in a just outcome and compensation.