New Canaan, CT (PRWEB) November 28, 2012
Legal cases involving oncology issues are bound to be emotional and straining on both the plaintiff and defendant. Since most people know someone who has died or beaten cancer, opinions on oncology cases are far and wide. As a trial attorney, understanding the nature of the case and identifying the correct expert, can be challenging at times.
Mednick Associates, a nationwide leading medical expert witness and legal nurse consulting firm, works with and locates numerous oncologists who are able to provide objective opinions on legal cases in a wide array of oncology specialties. Below are some screening questions they consider when faced with a case requiring an oncology expert witness.
1) Medical or Surgical?: Many oncology cases require a medical and surgical oncologist to review and opine. The difference lies in the specialty. A medical oncologist will opine on the nature of the cancer and the diagnosis, while the surgical oncologist will focus on the surgery related to the cancer. At times, they may disagree, which is why Mednick Associates makes sure to screen the case through both experts in order to present a consolidated opinion to their client.
2) What type of oncologist?: Many cancers present in specific parts of the anatomy and numerous physicians can opine on such a diagnosis. However, some such as liver cancer, may present as the cancer spreads throughout the body. Knowing the source of the cancer is important, as an oncologist who specializes in liver cancer may not be appropriate even though the patient presents with liver cancer. Mednick Associates, through their staff RNs, reviews the pertinent medical records, determines the true source of the cancer and finds the appropriate oncologist to opine. This saves time and money for their clients by avoiding unnecessary case reviews.
3) Is a non-oncologist required?: Many times the damages associated with an oncology case stem from issues caused by the cancer, but out of the realm of an oncologist, in terms of an opinion. Sometimes, endocrinologists, general surgeons, or internal medicine experts are required to opine on subsequent care, treatment or follow on procedures.
Mednick Associates handles hundreds of oncology cases per year, whether malpractice, tort or product liability related. With a network of over 75 oncologists and growing, they are able to screen cases quickly, identify the appropriate oncology expert witness and have a case reviewed for a plaintiff or defense attorney. Their experts are physicians first and only devote a small amount of their practice to legal work. This characteristic of their experts allows for a highly credible expert in the courtroom or at deposition. To contact them for further information on oncology or other medical expert specialties, please call 203.966.3000 or reach them online at http://www.mednickassociates.com.