Defense from within

Frivolous malpractice lawsuits and excessive monetary verdicts have caused skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums and a prevailing sense of fear among health care providers, and dental practitioners are certainly not exempt. Although there is little an individual practitioner can do in terms of universal tort reform, serving as a quality defense expert witness can help curtail baseless lawsuits on a case-by-case basis. In addition, such service offers the practitioner personal and professional rewards, such as the opportunity to stay current on standards of care, exciting educational opportunities, and financial compensation. In this straightforward and highly informative book, an attorney with nearly 30 years of experience defending health care providers against malpractice suits offers dental clinicians essential advice and inside information regarding what it takes to be a successful defense expert witness. Those interested in taking on this challenge will discover the characteristics, skills, and assets that are required -- including availability, communication and organization skills, and credibility -- and determine whether they are well-suited for the role. From there, the text details the work involved in serving as an expert witness, such as case assessments and literature reviews, expert opinions, deposition testimony, and handling examination in the courtroom. Finally, the author offers helpful tips on building a curriculum vitae and marketing oneself as a defense expert witness, thereby providing the reader with all the tools required to enter into this unique service well prepared for success.