Expert Witness Blog
In The Use of an Insurance Expert, insurance claims expert witness Barry Zalma writes:
In California, and other states, an expert must have some first hand experience in insurance and insurance claims handling to qualify to present testimony. Once qualified it is essential that the expert is able to credibly explain to a trier of fact, in easy to understand language, to the party seeking to prove bad faith or a defense to bad faith. A qualified insurance claims handling expert can explain why or why not the insurer reasonably, prudently and in good faith should reject or accept an insured’s claim. The testimony of the expert can defuse, if not eliminate, the plaintiff insured’s allegations of bad faith. A qualified expert can show that an insurer failed to fulfill the custom and practice of insurers in the jurisdiction.