HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEDICAL EXPERT

What is the best way to maximize the efficacy of your medical expert witness and minimize the cost?  A lot of attorneys seem to be frustrated with a product that is not what they were searching for and high bills. I work with lawyers and physician medical experts every day, and I also do expert witness work myself. In my experience, the best thing you can do as a lawyer to optimize the efficiency and minimize the cost of your medical expert is to:

Make Sure Your Medical Expert Knows Exactly What You Want Them To Do!

Every case and every attorney client is distinct; your medical specialist must be told what you want from them. If you tell them to "review a case" be very specific regarding what that means to you personally! Do you want them to: write a case summary; build a timeline; analyze the case for merit; write a medical opinion; or examine one area of the records? Tell your medical specialist what has been done and what you already know about the case. Give specific directions considering whether you need an oral or written report and precisely what criteria should be included.

Ensure that your medical expert knows which sections of the case don't need to be reviewed. For example, is there something special you're seeking in the nurse's notes, or, since you have already gone through them yourself, can they be put aside?

Have a comprehensive list of what you need before you contact an expert. What should they stay away from, has the case already been reviewed for merit?  I know firsthand if you are more specific you will save money and get results that are far more relevant to your needs!

Hopefully you found this tip helpful to your practice! To learn more about our services,please contact us today! Your first consultation with one of our physician directors is always free.