The Use Of Experts In A Medical Malpractice Case

Except in rare cases, a medical malpractice case cannot be proven without the testimony of none or more medical experts.   The experts must testify that more likely than not, that malpractice occurred during your care and that you were injured as a result.   Medical experts are paid for the time they spend reviewing your case, testifying and traveling.   Maryland has an additional requirement that a malpractice claim must be filed with a Certificate of Merit, signed by a health care provider within the relevant area of specialty, which certifies that your case has merit.

Frequently, a successor treating physician will not be willing to testify that another physician who treated you committed malpractice.   As a result, the search for an appropriate medical expert often extends to locations all over the country.   However, your treating physician may be important as to what your present complaints are and the need for treatment in the future.   Therefore, the attitude of your present treating physician towards the claim is important.

In addition to medical experts, often times vocational rehabilitation counselors, economists and other experts are requires to prove the extent of your damages.