Expert witness reform

J. Bauer Horton, Edward Reece, Jeffrey E. Janis, George Broughton, Larry Hollier, James F. Thornton, Jeffrey M. Kenkel, Rod J. Rohrich

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The legal system depends on the medical expert for evidence. Doctors readily complain about frivolous cases that go to trial, yet a lawyer cannot bring a frivolous claim to trial without a physician expert witness stating that the claim is not frivolous. An insurance company cannot raise premiums without medical expert witnesses servicing the increasing litigation against the insured. Physicians must look to themselves as a major contributor to rising malpractice insurance costs. For without the physician expert witness, no medical malpractice lawsuit can take place. It is the expert physician, not the attorneys or insurance companies, who defines "meritless" and "frivolous" and who ultimately controls the courts' medical malpractice caseload.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2095-2100
Number of pages6
JournalPlastic and reconstructive surgery
Volume120
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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