Types of expert witnesses include medical experts, vocational experts, financial experts, security experts, parenting experts, corporate experts, and forensic expert witnesses. In today’s article, we will discuss forensic expert witnesses and give you an example.
Forensic Expert Witnesses
Forensic experts are types of expert witnesses who provide testimony within a trial. The testimony is based on the forensic science and medicine field. A forensic expert witness is a specialist in many areas, including anthropology, archaeology, chemistry, and computer science within the forensic science domain.
Besides, a forensic expert witness testimony includes information on evidence analysis that supports the argument of a plaintiff or defendant. Therefore, forensic expert testimony is different from a medical expert witness testimony because it is more specific and not generalized.
If your case involves forensic medicine or science, it is crucial to hire a forensic expert witness. Legal Medical Consulting has forensic experts who can gather background information on a particular case, observe testing performed by forensic scientists, and review work performed by another expert.
Likewise, our forensic experts provide impartial and independent testimonies. In most situations, people hire an expert to perform numerous functions. However, you must hire a professional with considerable expertise. We have forensic medicine experts with expertise in computer science, DNA analysis, genetics, and medicine.
Who Can Be An Expert Witness? – Forensic Expert s
Evidence presented at the court of law has become challenging for the judge and jurors over the years. That’s why they call an expert witness to discuss detailed information and complex evidence efficiently and effectively. The question is: how does the court determine whether a person is a forensic expert? Let us answer this question!
The majority of forensic experts work in laboratories where they make efforts to analyze information collected by law enforcement agencies or crime scene investigators. A forensic expert witness must have coursework and certifications that focus on multiple disciplines, such as chemistry, biology, toxicology, and computer science.
A forensic scientist must have a Master’s degree, but an expert witness must have a doctorate degree and other essential certifications. Besides, the professional must also have years of experience providing testimonies before the court in forensics-related cases.
Tools used by forensic expert witnesses include mass spectrometers, microscopes, fume extractors, drying cabinets, and specialized equipment for powder handling, liquid evaporation, chromatography, history, and toxicology. A forensic expert witness must also have years of experience in DNA analysis, latent prints, multimedia, ballistics, toxicology, and digital forensics.
What is an example of an expert witness?
All courts can accept any person as an expert. However, people who lack proper background, knowledge, and training can’t provide testimonies in forensics-related cases. When necessary, the defendant’s attorney can question witnesses to show they don’t have relevant expertise/experience and are not qualified to provide testimonies on forensic cases. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role of a forensic expert witness before hiring him. Here is an example that can help!
Example:
A forensic expert offers opinions and testimonies in different cases. Although most people associate these experts with criminal cases, they can also testify in civil cases. A forensic expert can perform DNA analysis and develop evidence at a crime scene. Likewise, these experts can substantiate whether the white powdery substance found in the car is methamphetamine or cocaine.
For example, a drunk driver caused an accident and injured a person on the street. The person filed a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. The court called upon a forensic expert to examine the case and determine the amount of alcohol in the driver’s urine, breath, and blood.
Likewise, a forensic expert can find whether a person died has committed suicide or someone has killed him. Whether a fire was intentionally set or accidental is another example of a case where forensic expert witnesses can play a significant role. The purpose is to determine whether the insurance company should cover the house burned down to the ground.
Contact Legal Medical Consulting
Every civil and criminal case is different from the next. The court will need experts in different circumstances to understand the evidence or facts, leading to an accurate conclusion or verdict. Legal Medical Consulting, Dallas, TX, is a reputable firm with medical and forensic experts. Our experts have years of experience in testifying before the court.
Besides, we follow a step-by-step approach to examine the case, collect evidence, and prepare impartial, honest, and evidence-based testimonies, allowing the court to make an informed decision. Legal Medical Consulting has different types of expert witnesses in the medical and forensic fields. Contact us today!