What type of expert testimony is necessary in medical malpractice cases?

In Tennessee, medical malpractice cases typically require expert testimony in order to determine whether a healthcare professional was negligent or failed to meet accepted standards of care. When a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case is seeking compensation for an injury or illness, they must prove that a recognized standard of care was breached and that this breach of care caused their injury. The standard of care is generally determined by expert testimony from a medical expert who is experienced in the area of medicine related to the injury or illness. In Tennessee, the medical expert must have training, experience, and knowledge in the same or similar area of medicine as the healthcare professional being sued. For example, when suing a doctor for medical malpractice for a surgery-related injury, the plaintiff must find a medical expert with experience in the specialty of the doctor being sued. This medical expert must testify that the healthcare professional breached the medical standard of care and that the breach caused the injury. If the medical expert’s testimony is not convincing, it’s unlikely that the plaintiff will win the case. Additionally, expert testimony from people other than medical professionals may be needed in medical malpractice cases in Tennessee. This may include testimony from engineering experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial experts. Such testimony may be needed to explain the effects of the injury, the costs associated with the treatment or care, or how the injury has impacted the plaintiff. Overall, determining the type of expert testimony necessary in a medical malpractice case in Tennessee depends on the individual case. However, typically, a medical expert with knowledge of the area of medicine relevant to the injury or illness is necessary in order to prove that the standard of care was breached and that the breach caused the injury.

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