When you file a personal injury claim against someone, you are essentially claiming that they are at fault for your accident and subsequent injuries and damages. However, your word should not and cannot stand on its own. This is because, as the plaintiff of such a claim, you carry a burden of proof. Meaning, you are required to back up your word with sufficient proof. Worth including in this culmination of proof are oral or written testimonies from expert witnesses. That said, please continue reading to learn more about expert witnesses and how one of the experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you retain some for your claim.

What are the qualifications of expert witnesses?

First of all, by definition, an expert witness is someone who possesses specialized knowledge, skills, or experience in a certain field. With this, they can offer expert, objective opinions regarding your personal injury claim. Therefore, for an individual to be considered an expert witness rather than a lay witness, they must meet the following qualifications:

  • This individual’s knowledge, skills, or experience must be in a specialty field that is relevant to your case.
  • This individual’s education and training within their specialty field must be extensive and advanced.
  • This individual’s ability to explain complex concepts within their specialty field must be top-notch.
  • This individual’s ability to remain impartial throughout your case proceedings must be impeccable.
  • This individual’s familiarity and comfortability with how such legal proceedings play out must be recognizable.

This is all to say that not just any expert within a specialty field would make a good witness for your case. Rest assured, your hired attorney will recruit and train the most suitable expert witnesses on your behalf.

How can expert witnesses help my personal injury claim?

The objective opinions offered by expert witnesses can go a long way in your personal injury claim proceedings. It is not bold to say that their testimony may take your case from good to great. Without further ado, your expert witnesses may help your claim in the following ways:

  • This individual may clarify technical details regarding your accident that the jury may not understand upon first listening.
  • This individual may better explain how the defendant’s actions were considered to be of a negligent nature within their field.
  • This individual may confirm the link between the defendant’s negligent actions and your incurred bodily injuries and property damages.
  • This individual may make known the serious implications your incurred injuries and damages will have on your life (i.e., calculate economic and non-economic damages).

To learn more about handling your legal claim, please contact one of the skilled Panama City personal injury attorneys from Manuel & Thompson, PA. Better yet, schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.