When should attorneys hire expert witnesses for a case?

Posted on 01/01/2009 · Posted in Expert Information

When should you get an expert involved?

A good expert will become a real asset to any trial. He will be able to see the wood from the trees and advice the court on the normal precedent what would apply.

As such, it is really very important to get the expert involved as soon as possible. It will always be much more persuasive if the expert’s report backs up the particulars of claim so the address the same aspects of the case.

Experience is the child of thought, and thought is the child of action.”
Benjamin Disraeli

Remember the expert needs to be independent and be able to formulate his views based on the evidence provided to the court. Hence if the expert’s report supports the underlying client’s case it is much more likely that client’s arguments will prevail in court.

The expert may also be able to see angles that have not previously been considered; both positive and negative to a case. However it is normally best to understand these points as soon as possible in the process. It can save a fortune on ill advised litigation where this advice is received in time.

So the answer to the question is: as soon as the attorney becomes instructed so that the arguments can be formulated correctly. This may even be before the court has given permission for the litigants to “adduce expert evidence” to assist them with their case.

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Expert Evidence prides itself on assisting throughout the legal process where required and is a professional firm concentrating on the four main areas of dispute resolution; acting as expert witnesses in financial litigation, mediation, arbitration and adjudication. The firm has a civil, criminal and international practice and has advised in many recent cases. Areas of specialisation include banking, lending, regulation, investment, and tax.

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Disclaimer please confirm any of the above views with your solicitor. Expert Evidence takes no responsibility or provides any guarantee that the views above are correct for your particular case or jurisdiction.