Finding the right expert witness can make or break your case

A few key points set us apart:

1. Payment Models: At High Rock, we offer access to top-tier experts who prefer not to engage with services that take a portion of their earnings, by respecting their full compensation instead of using a hybrid billing model.
2. Expert Outreach: At High Rock, a physician always reaches out to the medical experts, as we've found they are more receptive to communication from their peers, unlike some companies where a nurse or customer service rep might make the contact.
3. Medical Director Credentials: At High Rock, our medical director, Dr. Fogelman, is a trusted, actively practicing physician.
4. Company Ethics: At High Rock Experts, your best interests are our priority, not just profit; if our services don't suit your case, we'll tell you upfront.

Many medical professionals are trained to approach attorneys with caution, which might explain the difficulty you're facing in getting a response. Additionally, some clinicians may be reluctant to review cases for their current patients, seeing it as a potential conflict of interest. However, our team can step in and contact them on your behalf, a strategy we've found to significantly boost response rates.

Our specialized intake process involves a review by our Medical Director, Dr. Fogelman. This ensures that you'll be matched with the most appropriate expert for both your case and your specific legal questions.

1. Diversify Expertise: If you frequently rely on the same experts, consider broadening your network.
2. Expert Selection: If you're uncertain about which medical expert speciality is best for your case, our physician-led team will review and pinpoint the appropriate specialist(s) for your needs.
3. Communication Challenges: Are you struggling to get replies from medical experts on your own? Let a physician like Dr. Fogelman connect for you, increasing the chance of a positive response—even from treating doctors.
4. Expert Vetting: If you're stretched thin and can't vet potential experts, trust in our services to conduct comprehensive due diligence, ensuring that you're connected with the industry's leading professionals.

1. Clarify Legal Standards: Medical professionals typically don't learn about legal standards during their training. Therefore, you must clearly explain legal terms like 'standard of care,' 'causation,' and 'prognosis' in layman's terms. Ensure they fully understand the assignment.
2. Explain Case Specifics: For personal injury cases, make sure your expert knows that medical negligence isn't the issue at hand. Clarify who is being sued and why. If you need them to conduct an exam, review the difference between impairment and disability ratings (or make sure to hire someone who has specialized training in the AMA Disability Guides).
3. Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Most practicing experts have busy clinical schedules. Send records for their review at least 2-3 months in advance. For rush cases, be prepared for a smaller pool of available experts and premium fees.
4. Comprehensive Preparation: No matter how qualified, your expert needs thorough prep. Provide all relevant facts and evidence and discuss the case's strengths and weaknesses.
5. Don't Cherry-Pick Facts: It's crucial to share both favorable and unfavorable evidence with your expert. Concealing damaging facts could undermine their credibility during testimony.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice: If your expert is testifying, rehearse with them. Run through their direct testimony and conduct mock cross-examinations. Even a highly knowledgeable expert can falter under tough questioning.
7. Remember: Your expert specializes in medicine, not law. They might inadvertently say something that could hurt your case. So, a thorough preparation is key.

If you are unsure about the merit of your case, our quick screen can provide a reliable and cost effective solution. Our medical director, Dr. Fogelman will thoroughly review your case, and consult an additional specialist, if necessary, to ensure that you receive a reliable “yes” or “no” on your legal question. If it is determined that your case does have merit, Dr. Fogelman will advise the type of expert needed.

Note: The Merit Screening Service is for initial case assessment purposes only and does not constitute a comprehensive medical legal review. If you require an in-depth analysis or more detailed guidance, click here to review our services page and fee structures.

If we don't have the right fit within our network of over 4,000 providers practicing in 250 specialties, we will find you someone at no additional cost.