The Role of Expert Witnesses in Florida Personal Injury Cases

Many types of evidence can be used during the course of personal injury litigation in Florida. Most cases are decided using anything from videos of an accident or copies of medical records. In complex cases, it may be necessary to rely on an expert witness to explain complicated issues not easily absorbed by a jury.

The role of expert witnesses in Florida personal injury cases is to provide a jury with context regarding complex details. This might involve calling a doctor to explain how negligence led to an illness or an accident reconstruction expert to outline how a crash occurred. Experts are not called in every situation but can be a valuable tool for personal injury lawyers.

What is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is a professional with specialized knowledge, training, or experience in a particular field relevant to a personal injury lawsuit. Unlike lay witnesses who testify based on personal observations, experts are allowed to rely on their skill, experience, and training to offer analysis and opinions on certain pieces of evidence.

Florida follows the Daubert standard, which requires expert testimony based on reliable scientific methods and accepted industry principles. This standard ensures that only qualified individuals with verifiable expertise can provide opinions in court.

Common Types of Expert Witnesses

The role of an expert witness in a personal injury case primarily comes down to the subject matter they are testifying on. Experts can be used to establish liability, prove damages, or make the case to a jury that the evidence offered by one side or another is credible. It is not uncommon for both sides to provide their own “dueling witnesses” that each rely on their experience but come to different conclusions. Some of the types of experts used in injury cases include:

• Accident Reconstruction Experts. It is not always clear which party is ultimately responsible for a motor vehicle collision. Using details from the crash scene, like skid marks and the placement of the vehicles, these experts can recreate how the collision happened.
• Medical Professionals. Physicians and surgeons can testify about the extent of injuries, the cost of care, or if another doctor was negligent.
• Engineering Experts. When cases involve structural collapses or product defects, it can be challenging to establish how an injury occurred without an engineer to explain what went wrong.

Speak to an Attorney About Expert Witnesses in Your Injury Case

While it is helpful to understand the evidence you need for a successful injury claim, the benefit of working with experienced legal counsel is that they can take care of it. From identifying potential experts to preparing them for trial, your lawyer can do the work while you focus on your health.

At DiFilippo & Pica, PLLC, our top priority is getting you the compensation you deserve while helping you fully recover from your injuries. Contact us right away to learn more during a free consultation.