Exactly what is an "Expert?"

Experts are persons with special knowledge, skill, experience, training and/or education that goes beyond the experience of ordinary members of the public. Their role will vary from case to case. Some Experts are used in pre-trial stages; others will play a combination of this role, in addition to being an Expert Witness at trial.

Why would I need to retain an Expert?

Educating Counsel-- Experts help explain the situation and available alternatives to the Attorneys.

Case Evaluation-- Experts evaluate the cases and help determine whether the claim has merit, such as what caused the extent of the problems and their opinion is used in settlement negotiations.

Testings and Experimentation-- Experts are frequently used to test items of potential evidence; also, they may conduct a series of experiments to prove or disprove points of consideration.

Assist in Case Development-- Experts help the Attorney to build the case by gathering evidence, provide written statements of his/her findings to be used in connection with settlement negotiations, affidavits, motions or court proceedings prior to any trial.

Testify at Depositions and/or Trial-- Expert testimony for either the Plaintiff or Defendant, is presented by Experts.

What should I look for when choosing an Expert?

Education, Degrees and Experience-- Different fields of expertise have different educational requirements and the Attorney will want to be certain the Expert has the knowledge he or she is looking for as his Expert and the experience to compliment the knowledge.

A Current Updated CV-- In addition to the above information, this CV will list his/her licensing and certification, honors, publications, teaching experience, Expert history in both Plaintiff and Defendant work.

Willingness to Serve as an Expert-- Presentation skills, compatibility with the Attorney and availability to the case and to the Attorney are all specific requirements of our Experts.

How do Experts charge for their services?

Our Experts set their own fees and the total fee is determined by the amount of TIME involved in the entire process of evaluating and reviewing, studying files, reviewing evidence, literature searches, meeting with Attorneys, conclusions, testifying time, clearing schedules, travel time etc. Most Experts are paid at rates comparable to the normal fees they receive from other assignments. However, it is not all that unusual for the Expert to be paid slightly more for depositions and trial appearances than for a normal record review.