When an accident victim files a personal injury case in Minnesota, he or she bears the burden of proof. This means the victim, who becomes the plaintiff, must prove the truth of what he or she is claiming. To accomplish this goal, an expert witness can be paramount. Hiring an expert witness can significantly strengthen your case and improve the odds of success.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness within the context of personal injury law is someone who is uniquely qualified to testify to assist a judge or jury in understanding complex or technical evidence. They can provide their testimony based on years of expert knowledge, skills, training, education or experience in a relevant field.
What Role Does an Expert Witness Play in a Personal Injury Case?
According to the Minnesota Court Rules of Evidence, an expert witness must have “foundational reliability.” This means they must be qualified to help the trier of fact by offering their expert opinions or inferences regarding the evidence involved.
The purpose of an expert witness during a personal injury claim is to provide facts or professional insights into a specific issue – typically, a complex topic that goes beyond common knowledge. An expert witness can explain complicated issues to a jury in layman’s terms to help make them clearer.
A medical expert, for example, may be called in during a personal injury case to testify regarding the extent and severity of the plaintiff’s injuries. This can give the court a better understanding of what daily life and the future will look like for the victim due to his or her particular type of injury.
Expert witnesses can provide testimony based on their interpretations of the evidence presented. They are permitted to draw conclusions related to accident causation, liability, damages, injury severity, future costs, and more based on their specialized knowledge. Experts can also be used to rebut arguments presented by the opposing party.
Frequently Used Types of Expert Witnesses
During a personal injury case, a variety of expert witnesses may be hired to take a look at the facts, offer their professional opinions and, if necessary, testify in court.
Common types of expert witnesses include:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts
- Mental health experts
- Neurological experts
- Life Care Planners
- Economists and financial experts
- Vocational experts
- Architects and engineers
- Mechanics
- Forensic experts
Any professional in their field who is qualified to explain medical, scientific or technical evidence beyond common experience may be used as an expert witness in Minnesota.
How to Hire an Expert Witness for Your Personal Injury Case
An expert witness can strongly improve the odds of winning your personal injury case, especially if it involves complex topics, liability is disputed or damages are contested. If there are unclear elements in your case, the right expert can provide important clarity.
Expert testimony can improve the credibility of your claim, help a jury understand the true effects of the accident and injury on your life, and potentially improve your case results. If you wish to hire a qualified expert witness for your case in Minnesota, start by consulting with an attorney. A lawyer will have connections to experts with the right experience and credentials for your particular needs.