Permanent injury or catastrophic injury claims apply to any accident or injury that prevents a person from performing daily tasks. A permanent injury claim will result in long-term disability or permanent health consequences. Common catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns.
A medical specialist can be crucial in strengthening a permanent injury claim. By establishing the severity of a person’s injuries, a medical specialist can help an injured person to recover fully for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A medical specialist can examine medical records and other evidence to draw the link between the accident and the harm sustained, and how a person’s injuries impact their life. If you or a loved one has recently experienced a catastrophic injury, do not hesitate to contact our Franklin County catastrophic injury lawyers as soon as possible.
Types of Medical Specialists in Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claims
The following types of medical specialists are used in permanent injury claims in Pennsylvania:
- Physicians and specialists: Board-certified physicians, neurologists, orthopedists, and trauma surgeons may be consulted to discuss the plaintiff’s diagnosis, treatment plans, and prognosis.
- Physical therapists and other rehabilitative professionals: A physical therapist or rehab professional can explain the impact of a person’s injuries and issues performing activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include routine self-care tasks, such as bathing, toileting, eating, dressing, and transferring. Not all catastrophic injury victims will have trouble completing ADLs, but they may have long-term impairments, making it difficult to work.
- Psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers: Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a personal injury or accident. In this case, psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers can evaluate the plaintiff’s level of emotional distress and the impact their emotional state has had on their professional and personal life.
- Forensic experts: Forensic experts may include forensic pathologists, medical examiners, and neuropathology consultants. These medical experts may analyze the victim’s injuries to determine the mechanism of injury (the way the injury occurred) and other accident-related details. A forensic medical expert will conduct an independent medical examination to determine the plaintiff’s level of physical impairment.
Who Qualifies as a Medical Expert Witness in Pennsylvania?
Rule 702 of the Pennsylvania Code has three requirements for a person to qualify as a medical expert witness:
- The expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge is beyond that possessed by a layperson.
- The expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help a judge or jury understand the evidence or any facts that are crucial in deciding the case outcome.
- The expert’s methodology is generally accepted in the field.
Significance of Hiring a Medical Expert
Medical specialists (also known as expert witnesses in personal injury claims) can provide professional insight that a personal injury lawyer cannot. A medical expert can provide the following benefits in a personal injury case:
- Establishing the severity of your injuries: While some injuries appear gruesome, they will not necessarily have permanent effects. A medical expert can review medical imaging, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, as well as a physician’s initial assessment, to determine the severity of your injuries and the level of pain that you are likely experiencing.
- Drawing a causal link between your accident and your injuries: To recover in a personal injury suit, you must establish that the accident was the direct cause of your injuries. This can be more challenging when symptoms have a delayed onset.
- Refuting the defendant’s testimony: Hiring a physician or specialist who is recognized in his or her field can go a long way in refuting the defendant’s claim.
- Providing credibility to your claim: Evidence of lost wages only holds so much weight with a claims adjuster or court. A medical expert who can testify to the extent that your injuries have impacted your life can be invaluable in helping you recover maximum compensation.
- Determining your future care needs: Permanent injuries often involve ongoing physical and/or occupational therapy, rehab, revision surgeries, and home modifications. Based on your current records, a medical specialist can testify to your potential future needs.
Contact Our Franklin County Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Today
A credible medical expert witness can be the incentive needed to get the settlement or award you deserve. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our Franklin County catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to advocating for compensation for your emotional, physical, and financial damages. To arrange a free consultation to discuss your case, we can be reached online or by calling (717) 229-6580 today.