How To Know If You Need An Expert Witness When Preparing For Court

How do I know if I need an expert witness?

An expert witness is mandatory in some kinds of cases. For example, if you file a case for medical malpractice, let's say, that you claim that a surgeon botched your operation. In order for the court to hear that case, to accept that case, it has to be accompanied by an affidavit from a medical doctor who basically sets forth in this affidavit that you have a legitimate claim, they have reviewed it. In most other kinds of cases, expert witnesses are there to give their opinions to help jurors. You may not need an expert witness, but you may want to call an expert witness because you think their opinion on a matter that might not be totally familiar to the jurors would be helpful. Expert witnesses, however, can be very expensive. Many of them charge hundreds of dollars an hour not just to go to court but to consult with you before trial. You really have to think long and hard if you need an expert witness. If they are important, you think, to the outcome of your case that's probably an indication that you shouldn't be representing yourself.