In More effective use of experts in slip-and-fall cases – The right expert will help you to better prepare the case and win it at trial, attorney David Reinard writes on when to retain your experts:
The answer here is easy: Before it’s too late and no sooner than you have to. In other words, there is no “one-size-fitsall”
answer. Experts are critical to success in these cases. As noted above, they can help you in every aspect of your case, from pre-litigation investigation to your cross of the defense experts at trial. On the other hand, unless you have an unlimited budget, you need to be careful to hire experts at the right time.The decision on when depends on a variety of factors:
• How experienced are you with the type of case you have? If this is your first slip-and-fall, sooner is probably better.
• Do you need an immediate site inspection by an expert? If you think the site may change, you can’t act fast enough. (You should personally visit any slip-and-fall scene immediately and take 10 times the number of pictures you think you need.)
(The Advocate Magazine, March 2012)
David Reinard is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a member of ABOTA, and is regularly designated a Super Lawyer. He has tried dozens of cases throughout California.