In some cases, such as a sidewalk trip and fall where the slope and unevenness of the sidewalk is debatable, an expert witness can testify as to how the amount of deviation caused a client to trip and fall, hurting themselves. David Azizi – a longtime slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles – has the resources to hire expert witnesses for your case when they are needed. Call him at (800) 991-5292 to begin with a free, no-obligation case review. He will explain your options and answer any questions you may have. David will also provide an estimate of what what your case is worth.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is someone who has special knowledge in a specific field. This proficiency makes it possible that he or she will be able to testify before a jury as to the particulars of the case. In a slip, trip and fall case, the expert witness may be an engineer, a building code inspector or an architect. In addition, he or she may be an expert on flooring, both indoors and out, and the standards that contractors need to use when constructing an establishment.
The jury hears both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys argue the particulars of the case. It might be confusing who is right and wrong. An expert brings an air of authority to the proceedings and allows the jury to make an informed decision with additional technical or professional knowledge.
Who Can Be an Expert Witness?
According to the Rules of Evidence for federal courts, an expert is someone who brings education, knowledge, skill, training and experience in a particular field. The same attributes are often demanded in state courts. California Evidence Code Section 720(a) echos the same requirements for an expert giving testimony on his field of expertise in a case. The admissibility of expert testimony in California courts is based on the general acceptability within a discipline as to the expert testimony. In short, the testimony must have a scientific standard of acceptability that is commonly recognized in the technical or professional community. Generally, it is up to the trial judge to determine if the testimony is considered to be reliable. The credentials of the expert witness are important.
Example of Slip and Fall Expert Testimony
The use of commercial mats at store entrances is a major way slip and fall accidents are avoided. The National Floor Safety Institute and the American National Standards Institute have put together safety standards for commercial mats. This guide outlines the correct criteria for mat selection and places emphasis on routine inspection, cleaning and overall care of the mats as well as the requirements for use. An expert who is well-versed in the safe use of mats might testify as to why a store’s entrance mats were partially to blame for the person’s accident.
The Law Offices of David Azizi: Hiring Expert Witnesses
After you have been handling personal injury cases, such as slip, trip and fall, for 25 years, you have an array of expert witnesses you trust and can choose from. If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip and fall accident, rest assured that David Azizi will choose formidable expert witnesses when and if you need them.
Call us to set up a case review. Let David take the stress of dealing with insurance companies and the courts off your shoulders. Reach out to him at (800) 991-5292 to take the first step.
