Mesothelioma cases are incredibly sensitive matters. Often, these claims involve a sick victim in need of swift resolutions and financial remedies and a family overwhelmed by their loved one’s condition. Under these difficult circumstances, certain expert witnesses can play a crucial role in the outcome of a case.
Medical experts can provide vital insight into the development of an illness like mesothelioma, as well as the treatments and prognosis. Surgeons, radiologists and pathologists are often part of these cases.
Often, their testimony centers on making the scientific and medical connection between asbestos exposure and an illness. They can also provide expert insight into the extent of a person’s symptoms and the medical care they have and will continue to require.
This information helps courts and juries understand causation, medical conditions and care needs.
Asbestos professionals
In most cases, a person’s exposure to asbestos occurred decades before a mesothelioma diagnosis. Thus, testimony from asbestos professionals can be vital in providing educated opinions on where and when a person was exposed.
These parties can explain the types of products a person likely used in specific occupations. They may also have special knowledge of the safety practices used or not used by a particular company or industry, and they could explain the conditions under which asbestos poses the greatest threat to people.
Financial specialists
Serious illnesses like mesothelioma take a financial toll on individuals and their families. Economists and other financial experts can provide testimony regarding the economic impact of a person’s condition.
For instance, they can provide opinions on a person’s debt and finances over their lifetime due to their illness. These assessments can dramatically impact the damages a person receives in a settlement or from courts and juries.
Expert witnesses are valuable tools in these cases, whether their reports encourage parties to settle a claim quickly or they testify in court. Attorneys familiar with these cases can have the experience and resources necessary to identify the best witnesses and use their knowledge appropriately.