Expert Witness Blog
When A. Bernard Ackerman, MD, a New York dermatopathology expert witness, is hired, he refuses to know which side the lawyer represents in the case. Ackerman’s goal is to keep his presentation of the facts and opinion objective. PointofLaw.com writes:
“I want to let the facts speak for themselves,” said Dr. Ackerman, who has testified equally for the defense and the plaintiff in medical liability cases and in other cases where medical expertise is needed, such as criminal cases. Sticking to the facts, he says, prevents a cross-examining lawyer from tripping him up about his opinion being consistent…. States in recent years have ratcheted up efforts to rein in false medical expert witnesses. They have adopted legislation requiring experts to be qualified or have stepped up state medical board oversight over who testifies and what they say.