Product liability cases in Georgia involve complex legal and technical issues that require the testimony of experts to help the court and jury understand the facts of the case. Expert witnesses are professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular field. Their role is to provide objective and independent opinions based on their expertise, which can help the court make informed decisions.
In Georgia, expert witnesses play a critical role in product liability cases. These cases involve claims that a product caused injury, death, or property damage due to defects in design, manufacturing, or labeling. The
plaintiff (injured party) must prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury or damage. The defendant (manufacturer, seller, or distributor) may dispute these claims and argue that the product was safe and met all applicable standards.
Expert witnesses can help the court and jury understand the technical aspects of the case and the standards that apply to the product in question. For example, a mechanical engineer could testify about the design and manufacturing process of a product, a medical expert could explain the injury or illness caused by a defective drug or medical device, and a safety expert could discuss the industry standards and regulations that apply to the product.
The testimony of expert witnesses can be used to support both the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s arguments. For the plaintiff, an expert witness can provide evidence of the product’s defects and how they caused the injury or damage. For the defendant, an expert witness can challenge the plaintiff’s claims by showing that the product met all applicable standards and was not defective.
Expert witnesses are also important in determining the amount of damages that should be awarded to the plaintiff. Damages may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Experts can help calculate the economic and non-economic damages that the plaintiff has suffered due to the defective product.
To serve as an expert witness in a product liability case in Georgia, a professional must meet certain qualifications. The expert must have knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education in a particular field that is relevant to the case. The expert must also be impartial and not have any financial or personal interest in the outcome of the case.
Expert witnesses in Georgia product liability cases are subject to certain rules and requirements. For example, the expert must provide a written report that includes the opinions and basis for their opinions. The report must be provided to the other party at least 90 days before the trial date. The expert must also be prepared to testify in court and be subject to cross-examination.
It is also important to note that the cost of hiring an expert witness can be significant. However, the potential benefits of having an expert witness testify in your case may outweigh the cost. A skilled attorney can help you evaluate whether it is appropriate to hire an expert witness and which type of expert witness to select.
In some cases, a judge may also appoint an expert witness to provide an independent evaluation of the case. This can be helpful when both parties agree on the need for an expert witness, but cannot agree on a specific expert or the terms of the expert’s engagement.
Expert witnesses are essential to the successful resolution of product liability cases in Georgia. Their testimony can help the court and jury understand the technical aspects of the case and make informed decisions. If you have been injured by a defective product in Georgia, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
The Keenan Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with a wealth of experience handling product liability cases in Georgia. Our attorneys understand the importance of expert witnesses in these types of cases and can work with you to identify the right experts to support your case.
Our firm has established relationships with a network of qualified expert witnesses in various fields, including mechanical engineering, product design, medicine, safety, and more. We can help you select the most appropriate expert witness to support your case and ensure that their testimony is effective in court.
In addition, our attorneys have extensive experience working with expert witnesses in product liability cases and can help ensure that the expert’s opinions are properly presented and supported by the evidence. We can work with the expert to prepare a strong written report that meets the requirements of Georgia law and effectively communicates their opinions to the court.
At the Keenan Law Firm, we understand that the cost of hiring an expert witness can be a concern for many clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only charge a fee if we are successful in recovering compensation for our clients. We also advance the costs of hiring expert witnesses and other expenses associated with your case, so you do not have to pay anything upfront.
If you have been injured by a defective product in Georgia, contact the Keenan Law Firm today. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.