Personal injury lawsuits require a plaintiff to prove that he or she was injured as a result of the defendant’s negligent actions or inactions. Accordingly, the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries are critical to establishing liability, and it is crucial that the plaintiff prove that the defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
Because evidence regarding the plaintiff’s injuries plays such a critical role in a personal injury lawsuit, medical expert testimony is often needed in order to prove the plaintiff’s claims. Specifically, a medical expert’s testimony should address the following issues:
- Whether the plaintiff was injured. A medical expert can provide medical information regarding the nature of the plaintiff’s injuries.
- The extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. A medical expert can testify to the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, along with the recovery process, the amount of medical treatment and rehabilitation the plaintiff will need, and the long-term impact of the plaintiff’s injuries on his or her life.
- Whether the defendant’s negligent actions or inactions caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The medical expert can provide information regarding the source and cause of the plaintiff’s injuries to prove that the defendant’s negligent conduct was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
Given the critical role that medical experts play in a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Cogan & Power, P.C. have more than 100 years of combined legal experience representing accident and injury victims. As a result, we have valuable relationships with a number of Chicago area medical experts.
The testimony of a medical expert not only goes a long way in proving that the defendant is liable, but the medical expert can also provide testimony regarding the full and fair financial compensation plaintiff deserves, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Property damages
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life
The experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers at Cogan & Power understand the complexities and nuances involved with personal injury cases, including the important role of knowledgeable medical experts.
If you have been injured in a personal injury incident caused by the negligence of another, contact the Chicago personal injury law firm of Cogan & Power at (312) 477-2500 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your personal injury rights and remedies.
