Experts in Birth Trauma Cases
One of the most difficult aspects of any case is determining what, if any, expert witnesses are needed. This is particularly true with birth trauma cases where an infant suffers brain damage or even death as a result of asphyxiation during delivery. In those cases, there are numerous medical specialists with whom you may want to consult. For example, you will probably need an obsterician, and perhaps an obstetrical nurse, to testify regarding standard of care. On the issues of causation and damages you may want to consult with a neonatologist, perinatologist, a placental pathologist, a neurologist, and a neuroradiologist. You may also need an expert to discuss a life care plan for the plaintiff. Finally, you may want to consult an economist to discuss loss of anticipated earnings. I am not saying that you will necessarily require experts in all of these specialties in your particular case. I am simply trying to give you an idea of the types of specialties to turn to for help. I also want to remind you that consultation with these experts will be an expensive and time-consuming process, so start early.