How Expert Witnesses Strengthen California Product Liability Cases

If you have been injured by a product that you purchased, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. The Riverside product liability lawyers at Heiting & Irwin can fight for you in court against large companies.

Product liability lawsuits rely on a number of forms of evidence. Here, perhaps the most important type of evidence that can make or break your case is testimony from an expert witness. It is crucial that you work with a product liability attorney who not only has experience in the field, but also has connections with expert witnesses who help accident victims win cases.

The first step in fighting back against a large company that may have injured you in their own pursuit of profits is to speak to a Riverside product liability attorney at Heiting & Irwin. We are in the fight with you every step of the way.

The Criticality of Expert Witness Opinions in a Product Liability Lawsuit

You may be entitled to significant financial compensation from anyone who is involved in the stream of commerce when you can prove that a product was defective. Product liability cases often involve different forms of proof than other types of personal injury lawsuits. While you may be able to use documentary evidence and witness testimony, you often need something more to show that a product was defective. In every product liability case, your attorney will have to have one or more expert witnesses to help make your case.

Expert witnesses must be qualified to testify in your case. They must pass what is called the Daubert standard regarding the admissibility of expert witness testimony. Whether the expert witness meets these requirements may be determined at a hearing that is conducted prior to the trial. This hearing is crucial for both parties (losing an expert witness can be fatal to a product liability case).

What Role Does an Expert Play in a Product Liability Case?

Expert witnesses perform a bedrock role in the attempt to prove that a product was defective. Among other things, their testimony can help with the following in your case:

• Using scientific evidence to show that the product was defective through the use of tests and evaluation, and comparisons to industry standards
• Showing that the defect in the product was the proximate and legal cause of your injuries
• Evaluating the damages that you suffered to help support the amount of money that you are seeking in the case
• Adding credibility to your case by virtue of their expertise and presenting objective evidence in your favor 
• Countering any arguments that the defense may make, such as that you misused the product or didn’t use it as intended.

Accordingly, it is vital that product liability attorneys select the appropriate experts for your case. Not only do you need an expert who can qualify to testify in your case, but you also need someone to serve as a counterweight to the defense’s experts. You can expect that the defendant will have high-priced expert witnesses who will tell the defense side of the story. The defendants are facing high stakes in your product liability case, and they will spare no expense in defending themselves. The defense will present a combination of influential experts and skilled defense attorneys.

How Your Expert Witness Testifies in Your Product Liability Case

The expert witness may need to give a written report that states conclusions. This is a requirement under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The expert witness will also be subject to questioning from the defendant’s lawyer during the course of proceedings. They may be questioned extensively about their qualifications as well as their opinions and conclusions.

Expert witnesses will play a vital role when a case goes to trial. A good product liability attorney must choose appropriate and very well-respected, qualified experts. Not only do they need to be qualified to testify, but they must withstand this cross-examination and present the strongest possible case. 

Contact a Riverside Product Liability Law Firm

Call the experienced Riverside product liability attorneys at Heiting & Irwin at (951) 682-6400, or message us through our website to schedule a free initial consultation with our firm. We are passionate about pursuing justice for individuals who have been victimized by big business.