You’ll need evidence to prove your claim when you file a personal injury case in Missouri. However, forms of proof like medical records and photos sometimes aren’t enough, so you may need to hire an expert witness for additional support.
Expert witnesses use their special training and experience to explain complicated issues to the court. For example, they clarify how an accident happened, the extent of your injuries, or how much your future care will cost. Their job is to make sure judges and juries understand the technical parts of your case so they can reach a fair decision.
What is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is someone with special training or experience in a particular field who is asked to provide testimony in a lawsuit. Unlike regular witnesses, who can only testify about what they saw or experienced, experts can give opinions to help clarify technical matters.
In Missouri, expert testimony is allowed if it will help the jury or judge understand the evidence or decide a fact in dispute. In some cases, an expert witness can make or break the success of a personal injury claim.
Types of Expert Witnesses in Missouri Personal Injury Cases
Many kinds of experts might be called in a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the most common include:
- Medical experts: Doctors or specialists can explain the extent of your injuries and what future treatment you might need.
- Accident reconstructionists: These experts use engineering and science to recreate what happened during an accident, such as a car accident, to show how it likely occurred.
- Economists or vocational experts: If you cannot work because of your injury, these professionals can testify about your lost earning capacity and future financial losses.
- Industry experts: In premises liability or defective product cases, an expert familiar with safety standards can show how the property owner or manufacturer failed to meet them.
By using the right experts, your attorney can work to present a more compelling case on your behalf.
The Rules Governing Expert Testimony in Missouri
Missouri effectively follows the Daubert standard for expert testimony. Under this rule, the judge acts as a gatekeeper and decides whether an expert’s testimony is reliable and relevant before it is presented in court.
Factors that judges may consider include:
- Whether the expert’s methods are generally accepted in the field
- Whether the testimony is based on sufficient data and reliable principles
- Whether the expert applied those principles correctly to the facts of the case
This means that not just anyone can be called an expert. Instead, their qualifications and methods must withstand legal scrutiny.
When Might You Need an Expert Witness?
Not every personal injury case requires expert testimony, as many can be resolved based on more straightforward evidence. However, expert witnesses are often critical in cases involving:
- Serious car accidents where the cause is disputed
- Medical malpractice claims requiring proof of professional standards
- Product liability cases involving technical defects
- Premises liability accidents involving building codes or safety standards
- Claims involving catastrophic injuries with long-term financial impacts
Your attorney can evaluate whether expert witnesses are necessary to strengthen your position.
How a Lawyer Can Use Expert Witnesses To Strengthen Your Case
Hiring and working with expert witnesses can be complex, but an experienced attorney will know what to expect and what to do. For instance, a skilled personal injury lawyer can:
- Identify what types of experts will be most helpful for your case
- Find reputable and credible professionals with strong qualifications
- Prepare experts to testify in depositions and at trial
- Use their reports and opinions during settlement negotiations to push for a fair outcome
- Challenge the opposing party’s experts if their methods or conclusions are flawed
By coordinating with experts, your lawyer can aim toward building a case that is as persuasive as possible.
Contact the St. Louis Personal Injury Attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Expert witnesses play a role in many personal injury cases in Missouri. Whether or not you need an expert to help support your claim depends on the unique circumstances of your case.
An experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney can evaluate your legal options and hire experts to help if necessary. Without sufficient evidence, you risk walking away with less than you’re entitled to under the law.
Most injury attorneys also work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you do. Contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today at (636) 519-0085 to get started with a free consultation.