Qualified Expert WitnessesQualified Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses must be knowledgeable in their field. However, it is important that they not underestimate attorneys or their expertise. They must also be honest with their testimony and remain within their expertise. In this way, they can survive cross examination and thrive in the courtroom. They must also be familiar with the proper protocols and procedures in order to do this.
Experts are typically qualified by years of experience, publications, licensing, training, education, and licensing. Peer recognition can also prove their qualifications. They might be called upon to be consultants in a case or to testify at trial. However, their testimony is subject to discovery by the opposing party.
Expert witnesses can be a lucrative career for someone who is an expert in one area. Many of these experts start as part-time experts within a specific field such as engineering, bridge construction, or construction. Then, as they grow older, they may choose to retire from their regular careers and become full-time expert witnesses.
In a case involving an animal, an expert witness can help identify the causes and duration of the animal’s suffering. An expert witness may also help parties determine whether they need to pursue litigation. An expert witness can also identify relevant documents. An expert witness can help attorneys prepare questions to ask opposing counsel’s specialists, which is helpful in settlement negotiations.
Unreliable expert witness testimony can be excluded by a court. Federal Rules of Evidence require that expert witness testimony must be based upon sufficient facts and reliable principles. In addition, an expert witness must be independent. He or she must also address the court with his or her report. A court can also co-instruct expert witnesses, but only in cases with small liability.
Expert witness physicians must be knowledgeable in the subject area. Otherwise, he or she may be biased. Expert witnesses should be familiar with current standards and practices at the time of the incident. An expert witness should also be certified by the appropriate board of the state where he or she practices.
Expert witnesses can charge a substantial fee depending on their field of expertise. For example, civil engineers or tree experts may charge $100-150 an hour, while high-powered economists or medical experts can charge $400-500 per hour. Experts with a national reputation can charge as much as $1,000 per hour. However, they should disclose any conflict of interest.
About Bill Hartzer
Bill Hartzer is CEO of Hartzer Consulting, a Texas-based search engine optimization and online reputation management consulting company. Mr. Hartzer has been providing digital marketing and domain name, as well as SEO expert witness services for legal cases worldwide, and practicing organic SEO since 1996.