Losing a loved one is an incredibly painful experience. It can feel even more devastating when a precious life is lost due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. How can surviving family members seek compensation for their losses?
Families may be able to pursue justice for their loved ones by means of a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are civil claims filed by the immediate family members or beneficiaries of a victim. These lawsuits are filed against the party responsible for their loved one’s untimely death. The aim is to hold the negligent party accountable while providing a sense of closure and financial support to those left behind.
How can surviving loved ones pursue a successful wrongful death claim? An untimely death can arise from various circumstances, such as car accidents or medical malpractice. In these complex legal battles where emotions run high, expert witnesses play a crucial role. How so?
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
To pursue a successful lawsuit for the wrongful death of a loved one, four basic elements must be established:
- It must be proven that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased person. A “duty of care” refers to the legal obligation one party has to exercise reasonable care and attention to prevent causing harm or injury to another party. For example, medical professionals have a duty of care owed to their patients when providing treatment.
- It must be shown that this duty was breached through negligence or intentional wrongdoing. There needs to be proof that the party in question failed to live up to their duty of care.
- The victim’s death was caused by the defendant’s breach of care. A clear link between the defendant’s actions and the victim’s death must be established.
- The wrongful death resulted in actual damages. It must be shown that the surviving family members suffered financial losses as a direct result of the victim’s death.
In wrongful cases, the four elements listed here piece together the full picture: that someone’s actions directly caused the victim’s death. This can be a complex task, requiring in-depth knowledge and unbiased analysis – but that’s where expert witnesses can be especially useful. How so?
How Expert Witnesses Help Wrongful Death Cases
Expert witnesses bring credibility and authority to the table, along with their professional opinions, thanks to years of experience in their respective fields. These professionals can help establish liability and secure fair compensation for a victim’s family.
To be selected as an expert witness, an individual must have specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field that is relevant to an aspect of the wrongful death case. This testimony can help clarify complex concepts in layman’s terms so that judges and juries can understand them better.
Expert testimony can help lawyers:
- Establish liability
- Secure fair compensation
- Explain complex issues related to fault determination
- Advocate for maximum restitution possible under personal injury law
Types of Expert Witnesses Used in Wrongful Death Cases
Different types of expert witnesses can be used depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.
Each type of expert witness brings unique skills and knowledge to a wrongful death case. From forensic pathologists shedding light on cause-of-death issues to vocational experts assessing potential future earnings, expert testimony can prove valuable.
The following are common categories of expert witnesses.
Medical experts
Medical professionals can provide insight into the cause of death and the quality of medical treatment received by the victim. Such experts can also shed light on any potential negligence or malpractice that may have occurred.
Forensic pathologists play an important role. Their objective analysis helps explain complex concepts related to the victim’s cause of death.
By means of the following, these experts weigh in on how negligence or malpractice led to death:
- Autopsies
- Testing
- Medical documentation, and;
- More
Medical and forensic testimony can be the key to establishing liability and seeking justice for a victim’s family.
Financial experts
Financial experts also play an important role in wrongful death lawsuits. They can assess economic damages such as:
- Lost income
- Potential future earnings
- Medical costs resulting from the fatal accident
By calculating these financial losses, experts help a victim’s loved ones seek fair financial support.
Vocational experts
Vocational experts are often called upon to assess how a person’s earning capacity would have been affected if death had not occurred.
When estimating potential future earnings for the deceased, experts will consider:
- Education level
- Work experience
- Skills
- Market trends
- Job opportunities available
Accident reconstruction specialists
Accident reconstruction specialists are commonly involved in wrongful death cases. They analyze evidence from the scene of the accident to establish causation and determine who was at fault.
Through their expertise in reconstructing accidents, these witnesses shed light on the details of a fatal accident. This insight can make all the difference when it comes to securing fair compensation for grieving families.
The Process of Selecting and Utilizing an Expert Witness
Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to select and carefully use experts in a wrongful death case. Established law firms often have a network of experts in various fields.
How do lawyers go about choosing the right professionals to testify?
Selection and vetting of expert witnesses
Once potential candidates are identified, careful evaluation must ensue. The expert’s qualifications and experience should align with the specific circumstances of your case. Your legal team will look for someone who has testified in similar cases before. The selected person should have a track record of providing credible testimony.
Evaluation of communication skills
Excellent communication skills are vital when selecting professionals to give testimony. A potential witness should be able to explain complex medical concepts clearly and concisely. This is so both judges and juries can understand the details of the case.
The selected witness will play a crucial role in the trial since expert testimony carries weight in the courtroom.
Challenges Surrounding Expert Witnesses in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Sometimes, the following challenges arise when it comes to the use of expert witnesses in wrongful death lawsuits:
- Credibility: One major challenge is determining the credibility of these witnesses. There have been instances where experts with questionable qualifications or biases testify.
- Conflicting opinions: Another challenge is the subjective nature of expert testimony. Each party involved may present its own set of experts or challenge the relevance of the expert’s testimony. Because of this, conflicting opinions and interpretations may be given. This can cause confusion for judges and jurors, who must weigh the evidence presented by both sides.
- Cost: Cost can be a significant hurdle when it comes to utilizing expert witnesses. These professionals often charge high fees for their services. This may make it difficult for lower-income plaintiffs to afford them and can potentially limit access to justice.
- Objectivity: Some question whether expert witnesses truly provide objective analysis. Critics may question whether the experts serve as advocates for whichever side hires them. This raises concerns about impartiality and objectivity in the litigation process.
The Qualifications Needed to Serve as an Expert Witness
There are strict laws regulating who can serve as an expert, for example:
- Experience and qualifications: To be considered an expert witness, a person must have the right background, education, and/or experience in the specific field related to the case.
- Reliable knowledge: The information provided by the expert must come from reliable methods and principles. The court checks to make sure the expert’s knowledge is trustworthy.
- Relevance to the case: The expert’s testimony should be directly related to the issues being discussed in the case. It must help the jury understand the evidence or decide on important facts.
- Professional opinions: Experts are allowed to express their opinions, even on crucial matters in the case. However, these opinions must be based on their expertise.
The lawyer you choose must be prepared to address these challenges head-on. Your legal team must carefully evaluate each witness’s qualifications. This is to ensure that each testimony is fair, accurate, and unbiased.
Wrongful Death Attorneys Ready to Help You Seek Justice
True, expert witnesses are useful in building a strong case. However, it takes an experienced attorney to leverage testimony effectively. That is where the compassionate attorneys of Hill & Moin can help.
As experienced attorneys, we understand the emotional toll that untimely death can have on surviving families. That is why we are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex legal landscape. To that end, we work closely with a network of professionals who specialize in various fields relevant to wrongful death cases.
Of course, monetary compensation cannot bring back what has been lost. However, our aim is to make sure you have the opportunity to receive fair financial support during this difficult time. When you hire us for your wrongful death case, we will seek appropriate compensation for funeral costs and loss of financial support from your deceased loved one. We serve multiple areas in and around New York City, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and The Bronx.
If you find yourself navigating the pain of a wrongful death, don’t hesitate to seek out skilled attorneys like our team at Hill & Moin, LLP. With support from a dedicated legal team that understands your situation, you can seek justice and fair compensation for your losses.
The road ahead may be challenging during this difficult time, but the right legal team can make all the difference when seeking justice. Reach out to Hill & Moin today at (212) 668-6000 to learn about your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ.
Don’t wonder about your rights!