The Power of Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Cases by Dr. Kamal Kabakibou

Published on: 07/09/2025

In medical malpractice cases, facts alone are often not enough To truly understand what went wrong, courts rely on expert witnesses. These are professionals with deep knowledge in medicine Their job is to explain complex details in a way that judges and juries can understand. Expert witness testimony plays a significant role in shaping the outcome of these cases, as described by Dr. Kamal Kabakibou.

Medical malpractice cases can be complex and challenging to understand. They often include complex medical terms, treatments, and procedures Most people in a courtroom, including the jury, are not trained in the medical field That’s where expert witnesses come in They help explain whether the care a patient received met the proper standard or not. This standard is what most doctors would do in a similar situation

An expert witness can be a doctor, surgeon, nurse, or other health professional. Their job is to review the medical records, understand what happened, and provide their opinion If they believe the care was below the accepted level, they will explain why. If they think the care was reasonable, they will also explain that clearly Their opinion must be based on facts, experience, and accepted medical knowledge

In many cases, the outcome depends heavily on what the expert says Their testimony can reveal how the mistake occurred, the harm it caused, and whether it could have been prevented. For example, if a surgeon made an error during an operation, an expert witness can describe what the correct steps should have been They can also explain how the mistake led to injury

Sometimes, both sides bring in their expert witnesses One may say the care was wrong, while the other may defend it. In these cases, the jury must listen to both and decide who is more believable This makes the expert’s communication skills very important It’s not just what they know it’s how clearly they explain it

Judges also depend on expert testimony when making decisions before trial A strong specialist opinion can even lead to a case being settled early That saves time and stress for everyone involved.

Ultimately, expert witness testimony provides clarity to complex medical questions. It helps courts decide if a doctor acted appropriately or if a patient was harmed by careless treatment. Without expert guidance, these cases would be significantly more challenging to comprehend That’s why expert witnesses are a key part of medical malpractice law and why their role continues to shape each case from start to finish