The Role of Expert Witnesses in High-Stakes Personal Injury Cases in Georgia

The Role of Expert Witnesses in High-Stakes Personal Injury Cases in Georgia

Georgia personal injury cases can (and often do) involve complex scientific, technical, or medical questions. When these issues arise, your lawyer might call on expert witnesses to explain vital aspects of the case and clarify the facts for an insurance company, judge, or jury.

What Is an “Expert Witness” in a Georgia Personal Injury Case?

Section 24-7-702 of the Georgia Code describes an expert witness as someone whose “knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education” makes them qualified to testify about some fact of a case. The law includes four requirements for an expert to testify in a personal injury case:

• The expert’s technical, scientific, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact (the judge or jury) understand the facts or evidence in a case;
• The expert’s testimony is based on sufficient evidence, facts, or data;
• The expert’s testimony results from reliable scientific methods and principles; and
• The expert has reliably applied those methods and principles to the case.

If an expert meets these requirements, they can offer their opinion about aspects of the case that fall within their area of expertise. For example, a doctor might testify about how your injuries occurred, while an engineer might testify about how a defective product malfunctioned and caused your injuries.

Types of Expert Witnesses in Georgia Personal Injury Cases

Some types of expert witnesses who often testify in Georgia personal injury cases include:

• Medical experts – Doctors or others with medical training and knowledge of the human body can testify about your injuries and their effects. For instance, a neurologist might describe how a spinal cord or traumatic brain injury limits your movement and other activities.
• Forensic experts – Forensic experts use scientific methods to analyze an accident, how it occurred, and who caused it. For example, forensic accident specialists often use crash scene photos, computer modeling, and other evidence to demonstrate how a car crash occurred and who or what caused it.
• Economic experts – Economists and other financial experts can analyze your pay stubs, tax records, medical bills, and other evidence to illustrate an accident’s financial toll and how your injuries might limit your future earning potential.
• Engineering experts – Product liability claims and similar cases often involve complicated, highly detailed questions about how something works and what caused it to malfunction. Engineers and others with similar training can testify about defects in pieces of machinery or technology.
• Chemical experts – Chemists and others can use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, toxicology, and related fields to answer about specific compounds that may be involved in a personal injury claim. For example, a chemist might testify about how exposure to toxic chemicals caused your injury or illness.

Our Atlanta Injury Lawyers Can Find Experts to Support Your Claim

At Kaufman Injury Law, we routinely work with doctors and other experts in personal injury cases. Let us find qualified professionals to clarify any issues with your claim while you focus on healing. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.