Product liability cases can involve a wide variety of consumer goods, from vehicles and appliances to furniture and children’s toys. While the general public is familiar with many of these products, the complex nature of identifying defects and establishing fault in legal cases often requires specialized knowledge and training. When there are technical components or specialized factors involved in a product liability case, expert witnesses are often called in to give their professional opinions.

The product liability attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have been successfully representing injured clients for over 100 combined years. We have built strong relationships with expert witnesses in a variety of fields and can identify which experts will be most helpful in your case. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of expert witnesses in Connecticut product liability cases.

What Types of Expert Witnesses are Used in Product Liability Cases?

Expert witnesses can include nearly any professional person or subject matter expert with experience in a given topic that is relevant to the individual case. Most often, expert witnesses are one of the following:

  • Engineers
  • Doctors
  • Therapists
  • Accountants
  • Vocational Experts

Lay witnesses in Connecticut are typically prohibited from giving their opinions on the stand, but expert witnesses are allowed to state their opinions on the relevant details of the case.

Medical and engineering industry experts are often called upon in product liability cases. Because the medical field is among the most complex fields and requires extensive training, cases that involve medical equipment, severe injuries, or other healthcare-related topics often need input from a healthcare provider. This also applies to engineering fields because the terms, standards, and accepted practices are esoteric concepts not commonly known or understood by the general public.

How to Choose an Expert Witness for Your Product Liability Case

In the US, general knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts varies widely among demographic groups, but people’s familiarity with and understanding of even moderately complex scientific concepts is limited. Product liability cases often involve engineering and medical concepts, and these two industries tend to be interlinked. This means that expert witness testimony is crucial for your Connecticut product liability case since it is unlikely that the judge or jury will have the necessary technical knowledge of advanced engineering or medical topics.

When choosing an expert witness, it’s crucial that the subject matter of each professional’s experience is considered. Most fields, especially those with highly technical concepts and topics, have a variety of specializations. For instance, a dermatologist would not be able to provide the same input or expertise as a cardiologist. Engineering fields vary widely, as well, and selecting the appropriate expert requires careful and strategic planning.

Your attorney can help you determine if your product liability case would benefit from a mechanical engineer, a structural engineer, an electrical engineer, or an expert in another type of specialty. In addition to engineers and medical professionals, an experienced attorney can help you identify other experts who may provide valuable insight into a product’s defects and how they could cause injury. The specific type of expert that will be most helpful depends on the type of product involved in your claim, but expert witnesses are helpful in the majority of cases. The testimony experts provide can not only clarify complicated topics, but their opinions are typically very convincing to juries and judges and are often required.

Legal Representation for Connecticut Product Liability Claims

You don’t need to fight companies, insurance providers, and teams of corporate lawyers on your own. Having an experienced product liability lawyer on your side can make a tremendous difference in the progress your case makes and the outcome you reach. Contact the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation today. We can help you get expert witnesses for your Connecticut product liability case.