Selecting the Best Expert Witness for Your Case

Expert witnesses often add a significant amount of value to a case. Expert witnesses help the jury understand complex issues, such as medical errors or engineering practices, that the average layperson does not comprehend. When the jurors have a clear understanding of a case, they may be willing to add tens of thousands of dollars to a verdict.

However, selecting the proper expert witness is crucial for any case, whether it involves medical malpractice, insurance matters, or construction defects. An expert with numerous qualifications and degrees will add little value to a case if that expert cannot effectively communicate with the jury. How do you know if your expert will be an effective witness?

The Expert Witness’s Experience in the Courtroom

Testifying in a case involves much more than simply telling the jury about a subject matter. An expert witness must effectively answer questions from opposing counsel and must appear credible to the jury. If the jury does not believe the expert is being truthful and transparent, the jury will likely dismiss the expert’s testimony.

Expert witnesses who have previously testified in a variety of legal proceedings often make good candidates for upcoming trials. These individuals are experienced in being cross-examined and understand the trial process. They understand that the facts of the case must match relevant laws and regulations. Of course, expert witnesses just breaking into offering their testimony at trial may be able to offer fresh perspectives to a jury.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are able to work with the expert to ensure he or she is thoroughly prepared for your trial.

Communication, Communication, Communication

How effectively does the expert explain complex ideas? Does the expert speak clearly? Is the expert engaging and interesting? Many experts who look remarkable on paper are woefully ineffective in front of a jury. As we prepare for your trial, we want to select an expert who keeps the jury’s attention, breaks complex concepts down into simpler terms, and refutes the positions of the opposing party.

Allow Plenty of Time to Find an Expert

As attorneys know, it takes many months or longer for a case to be scheduled for trial. There are numerous hurdles the parties must overcome before a court places a trial on the docket. However, the sooner you begin your search for the perfect expert witness, the better. Researching credentials, scheduling meetings (including virtual meetings), and preparing testimony all take weeks. In addition, depositions, hearings, and, of course, the trial date must all be coordinated with the expert’s schedule.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are prepared to begin working on your case. We will go over, in detail, your goals for your client and provide a roadmap as to how we can help you accomplish these goals. In addition, we are also able to help you prepare effective arguments and create exhibits for you to use in the courtroom. We have a variety of technology services available for your benefit as well.

To Learn More About TrialSpectrum, Inc., Contact Us Today

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we provide high quality litigation consultation and trial technology services to firms throughout the country. To schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about the services we provide, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com today.

Why Hire a Litigation Consultation and Trial Technology Company for Mediation?

To many attorneys, litigation consultation and trial technology companies are sought out for assistance with complex, high-profile cases and trials. They may consider hiring such a company only if they have a case with a seven- or eight-figure verdict at risk. However, litigation consultation and trial technology companies, like TrialSpectrum, Inc., also provide valuable services for out-of-court proceedings like mediation.

As attorneys know, the primary goal of mediation is to settle a claim—to keep it out of court and, in many cases, out of the public eye. Mediation offers a variety of incentives to the parties: they can create a settlement agreement that suits each party, they can openly discuss their arguments with the mediator in a confidential setting, and they do not have to worry about coming under fire during cross-examination in court.

Though litigation consultation and trial technology companies do offer services targeted for the courtroom, their products often easily transfer to the behind-the-scenes setting of mediation.

Exhibits and Presentations

The manner in which information is presented during a case—whether inside or outside of the courtroom—makes a significant difference in its outcome. Attorneys must ensure that their audience is receptive to the argument they want to make. What is effective for a judge in a courtroom may not be effective for opposing parties in mediation.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we create custom presentation materials for your mediation. Depending on your client’s goals, the type of case, and the arguments you want to make, our team will create effective exhibits that are easy to understand and persuasive in nature. Once the opposing party and their counsel see the thoroughly prepared materials you have brought to mediation—and realizes that similar materials would be presented in the courtroom—settlement may become more likely.

Case Details and Themes

Since mediation is much less formal than a courtroom hearing or trial, many attorneys may not have a streamlined presentation prepared in advance. However, identifying case themes and selecting details to present that support those themes will drive arguments home to both the mediator and to opposing counsel. Although, of course, the mediator is not a decision-maker in the case, many mediators do not hesitate to emphasize the strength of one party’s arguments to the other party.

The professionals at TrialSpectrum, Inc. will meet with you (virtually, if needed) to go over your case. Based on our years of experience, we will pull facts and details from the case and organize them so that your presentation flows smoothly. Additionally, we will anticipate opposing counsel’s arguments and determine the most effective ways to refute those arguments.

An organized presentation, coupled with persuasive graphics and media, significantly improves the odds of settling during mediation.

Preparing for Trial

In some cases, a party simply refuses to settle at mediation. If this ends up being the situation in your case, all is not lost—after all, you have practiced making your arguments and have learned which ones were effective. You were able to practice using the exhibits and presentations you may use at trial. Additionally, you will be able to share the arguments that opposing counsel used during mediation with the team at TrialSpectrum, Inc. so that we may solidify your arguments before you head to the courtroom.

To Learn More About Our Services, Call TrialSpectrum, Inc. Today

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our excellent team of professionals assists law firms throughout the country with cases of all types. If you would like to schedule a time to speak with us about your case, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com.

What is Litigation Consulting and How Is It Beneficial for My Case?

Litigation consultation companies assist attorneys with their preparation for trials, hearings, and even mediations. These companies offer a variety of services to law firms to ensure they are thoroughly prepared to present their cases. Using advancements in persuasive psychology and trial technology, litigation consulting companies, such as TrialSpectrum, Inc., significantly improve an attorney’s chances of prevailing.

Getting the Message to the Jury

Attorneys are excellent at connecting the facts of a case to relevant case law and statutes. However, many attorneys have trouble presenting this information in a way that is memorable and persuasive to the members of a jury. Most jurors are unfamiliar with legalese, and, for many, jury duty is their first introduction to the legal system.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team of experts will sit down with you to discuss your case and your goals for your client. We will talk about upcoming hearings, possible settlement negotiations, and, of course, a roadmap for trial. Depending on the type of case you have, we will discuss ways to present your arguments to the jury so that they cannot possibly agree with your opponent.

To create an effective argument, it is best to create a theme to carry throughout your case. However, many attorneys become so focused on the individual facts of the case that it becomes difficult to see the big picture. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we will help come up with a theme for your case as well as a strategy to present that theme, including identifying which types of exhibits and arguments will be most effective.

Preparing Witnesses

Attorneys are well aware of the power a third party can have on a client or witness. A client who refused to settle a case may suddenly come around to a mediator, for example. Therefore, having litigation consultants assist with witness preparation can be a powerful tool.

Litigation consultants discuss important details with witnesses that attorneys may overlook. Body language, clothing, attitude, tone of voice, and other factors will be carefully reviewed with clients and witnesses. The impact a witness has on a case goes far beyond what comes out of the witness’s mouth—the jury must find the witness reliable and truthful, and the witness’s demeanor has a major impact on the jury’s perception of the witness.

Trial Technology

During your partnership with TrialSpectrum, Inc., we will go over the various types of trial technology that are available for your case. For example, we are able to create animations that can recreate a car accident or show how an illness develops. We can provide large posterboards that highlight statements or provide a detailed view of the scene of an incident. We also provide audio and visual equipment rentals and are available to operate this equipment for you in the courtroom.

As you prepare for trial, we will consider the personality and decision-making history of the judge, and we will also learn as much as possible about each juror on your case. Taking this information into account, we will create exhibits and argument strategies that are bold and persuasive. Our experience helps us decide which types of exhibits are best. For example, in some cases, a physical model is more effective than an electronic diagram.

When you team up with TrialSpectrum, Inc., you increase your chances of obtaining an excellent result in the courtroom.

Call TrialSpectrum, Inc. Today to Learn More

If you would like to learn more about our services, pricing, and other details, give us a call today at 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com. No matter where in the United States you are located, we can help.