Since the invention of synthetic polymers (or sometimes called plastics) in the 1930’s, the use of polymers has exploded. Polymers are used in everything from plastic milk bottles, molded plastic articles, fabrics (nylon & polyesters), composites, adhesives, and coatings. A polymer expert witness may be called in the following types of cases: Product Liability (plastic… read more
Sports Concussion Expert Witness Explains Long Term Concussion Risk in Youth By Vernon B. Williams, MD Commitment. Hard Work. Sportsmanship. Physical Fitness. Time Management. Teamwork. Scholarship Opportunities. Self Confidence. These are often cited and well-recognized benefits of and lessons learned through participation in youth sports. One of the most pressing concern over participation in… read more
The Excellent Expert Witness Deposition How can lawyers and their expert witness achieve an excellent deposition? Trial attorney James Mizgala of Sidney Austin recommends the following: Tell the lawyer who retained you explicitly, the desired information, and get it Do not rely on counsel for your literature and background searches Be able to explain why… read more
What is Neuropathology and How Can It Be Of Use In Expert Witness Testimony? Neuropathology encompasses a wide area of anatomic pathology, including neurodegenerative disorders, vascular disease, genetically determined developmental disorders of the central nervous system & skeletal muscle and finally; a variety of injuries caused by environmental factors as varied as toxins to trauma… read more
Technology in the Courtroom for Expert Witnesses Attorney Timothy Tomasik of the Clifford Law Offices recently spoke on “How to Use Technology in the Courtroom to Support Your Expert Witness Opinion.” He stated that for demonstrative evidence to be admissible, it must be a fair and accurate depiction and it is relevant. The kinds of… read more
An Expert Witness on Concussions Explains Concussions in Plain Terms By Vernon B. Williams, MD There has been a dramatic increase in published information regarding concussion in the last several years. But availability of more information has not necessarily resulted in effective knowledge transfer. E.O. Wilson once wrote, “We are drowning in information, while starving… read more
Many expert witnesses have been told and believe that the recent amendments to Rule 26(b)(4)(B) provide complete protection to their work product. Attorney Angela Zambrano from the firm of Weil Gotshal pointed out some of the limits of the expert’s draft work product protection. Courts appear to be allowing liberal discovery into the work performed… read more
Ken Broda-Bahm PhD is a nationally known litigation consultant. His excellent article “The Better Teacher: Be an Expert at Testifying and Not Just a Testifying Expert” appears in the February 2013 issue of PersuasionStrategies.com. Dr. Broda-Bahm recommends an effective expert witness needs to: Convey the need for the expert opinion Show why your analysis is… read more
Remembering a few rules can greatly help in getting the greatest benefit from your expert witness, or, conversely, effectively cross-examining an opposing expert. There are three general areas of expert evidence: (1) Pure opinion expert evidence, (2) Scientific expert evidence, and (3) Non-scientific expert evidence, about which more will be said below. Preparing an expert… read more
Experts who attended the recent SEAK National Expert Witness Conference in Chicago raised some of the most difficult and vexing questions they face. These questions include: Yes or No Questions These questions are asked frequently where there is really not a black/white answer. Experts struggle with these questions. Broad Questions These types of questions are… read more
