Expert Witness Testimony May Be Beneficial In Oil Field Accident Cases

While not all personal injury cases require testimony from expert witnesses, it can be beneficial in oil field accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, astronomical medical expenses, and complex science or machinery. Expert witnesses describe in detail how and why an accident occurred, and can also help a judge and jury understand the extent of a plaintiff's injuries and their effect on his or her ability to hold a job or perform simple daily tasks.

If you were severely injured or lost a loved one in a tragic oil field accident caused by another person's negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for damages such as medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Expert testimony may help strengthen your case.

Though there are expert witnesses available to cover nearly every aspect of a case, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience handling oil field accidents can help you find the right experts to testify on your behalf.

What Is an Expert Witness?

Expert witnesses are individuals whose specialized education, knowledge, training, proficiency, or experience allows them to provide valuable insight on a particular topic, such as oil field accidents. Additionally, because it comes from such unimpeachable sources—who are often some of the top minds in their respective fields—expert testimony can be persuasive to a jury.

Common Types of Expert Witnesses Used in Oil Field Accident Cases

Each oil field accident case has different parameters, so not every expert witness is best for all cases. However, testimony from the following types of expert witnesses is common in oil field accident cases:

• Accident reconstructionists. A frequent expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists carefully examine photos of the oil field accident site, as well as any involved equipment and other evidence, to determine who or what  caused the incident in question. These expert witnesses are particularly helpful when it comes to pinpointing negligence and determining fault.
• Doctors and other medical professionals. In cases where the plaintiff is seeking a substantial sum as compensation for injuries sustained in an oil field accident, testimony from medical expert witnesses is absolutely essential. Medical experts can testify to the accident caused the plaintiff's injuries, as well as his or her diagnosis and prognosis, and whether the injuries prevent the victim from working or performing simple, day-to-day tasks.
• Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) consultants. A division of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA is a federal agency that regulates workplace health and safety in the United States. OSHA inspectors or consultants can provide valuable testimony about the safety of the oil field job site prior to the accident. In some states, an OSHA regulation violation can be used as evidence of employer negligence.
• Engineering experts. If a structure or piece of equipment was involved in the oil field accident, an engineering expert can explain what went wrong.
• Economists. Oil field accidents can deal a serious financial blow to victims in the form of unexpected medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more. Economists can examine all of these factors to help determine a fair value for the plaintiff's claim.
• Occupational health specialists. Injuries sustained in an oil field accident can significantly affect a victim's ability to work. When this happens, attorneys may call an occupational health specialist to testify about the impact the plaintiff's injuries have on their ability to perform job-related tasks.

A Trusted Oil Field Accident Attorney

An award-winning attorney with three decades of experience handling personal injury lawsuits, Michael McGartland provides the aggressive representation that oil field accident victims need when seeking the compensation they deserve.

If you were injured in an oil field accident, contact McGartland Law Firm today to schedule an appointment for a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case.