Going to Court? Get an Expert on Your Side

Having someone on your side in court is nearly priceless. After your lawyer, the most important person on your side is the expert witness. But not everyone is qualified to serve as an expert witness. The expert has to be qualified by court based on their specialized knowledge. Most of the time, expert witnesses are called to talk about scientific or technical topics where their knowledge, experience or training is considered important to determine a fact or issue in court. For example, a construction expert witness might be called upon to discuss his or her opinion for an engineering company.

So how do you find someone qualified enough to offer an expert testimony in court that is also a dependable aid to your case? The first step to finding a reliable expert witness is to find someone who specializes in the field you need an expert opinion on. Some companies that offer dispute mediation services also offer expert witness services. Make sure that the company has experience in not only the sector, but also as an expert witness testimony. So although you might find someone with 20 years of experience in the construction industry, he or she might not have enough experience in the court room. How do you know? Request a resume featuring their experience and history as an expert witness. The resume should list the court cases as well as their record in front of a jury. In addition, you want to find someone who is trustworthy. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, make sure to read testimonials about the person. It’s important to find someone who is considered a straightforward, truthful testifier.

This blog post was sponsored by Lyle Charles Consulting, Inc., a company of commercial and construction business decision advisors offering expert opinions, claims analysis, mediation and arbitration, and services for a successful construction mediation.