Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Victims of mesothelioma have the right to seek compensation for the harm suffered. However, seeking compensation is often a complex legal journey. Expert witnesses play a vital role in mesothelioma cases. But why exactly are expert witnesses crucial in mesothelioma cases? The reason stems from the medical and technical complexities involved in asbestos exposure cases and the burden of proof needed to obtain fair compensation. Expert witnesses can help build a solid case for compensation.
Who is an Expert Witness?
There are two types of witnesses in a mesothelioma case: lay and expert witnesses. Lay witnesses are people who can testify about the facts of the case, such as coworkers, family members, or friends. These people can speak about the plaintiff’s health condition, work history, or daily struggles. Lay witnesses only recount what they have seen or experienced firsthand. They do not offer analysis or opinions.
On the other hand, expert witnesses are professionals with specialized education, skills, or experience in specific fields relevant to the case. These witnesses can offer opinions and analyses based on their expertise. In a mesothelioma lawsuit, these experts can include occupational health specialists, radiologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, and oncologists.
How Expert Witnesses Can Help in a Mesothelioma Case
Expert witnesses can play a major role in helping mesothelioma victims and their families seek justice and obtain their deserved compensation. The expertise of these witnesses can be instrumental in supporting a mesothelioma case. Here is how expert witnesses can help in a mesothelioma case;
- Establishing a Link Between Asbestos and Mesothelioma: Medical experts can review a victim’s history, symptoms, and medical records and provide a professional opinion that the illness was caused by asbestos exposure. Occupational health experts can analyze the victim’s work history and environmental exposure to determine where and how the asbestos exposure happened.
- Educating the Jury: It can be challenging for a layperson to understand complex concepts such as latency period, occupational exposure, and fiber types. Expert witnesses break down complex information into understandable terms, allowing the jury to understand the science behind the case and make informed decisions.
- Credibility and Objectivity: Jurors are more likely to believe the opinion of unbiased expert witnesses, which can significantly impact a case’s outcome.
- Identifying Responsible Parties: Expert witnesses can help identify all potentially liable parties by examining relevant factors, such as work history and product usage.
Finding Expert Witnesses for a Mesothelioma Case
Working with the right expert is vital for a mesothelioma case. The following are some factors a mesothelioma attorney may consider when choosing an expert witness;
- Specialization – someone who focuses on mesothelioma cases
- Credentials – including education, certifications, and professional affiliations
- Experience – someone with extensive experience in their field and who has dealt with various mesothelioma cases.
- Track Record – an expert’s success rate and reputation give an attorney an idea of their effectiveness and credibility.
When looking to find the right expert witness for a mesothelioma case, consulting an experienced attorney is crucial. An attorney with experience handling mesothelioma cases typically has an extensive network of professionals, including expert witnesses, and can use their connections to find the right expert.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.