Dermatology Expert Witnesses
We will find the right dermatologist to strengthen your case
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases. Dermatologists treat patients with skin diseases as well as certain cosmetic problems.
After completing medical school, dermatologists must complete a residency training in dermatology. They can then seek Board Certification from the American Board of Dermatology. Many dermatologists seek additional certification in one or more subspecialties, including:
- Cosmetic dermatology
- Dermatopathology
- Immunodermatology
- Mohs surgery
- Pediatric dermatology
- Teledermatology
Dermatology malpractice cases
Although dermatologists primarily perform non-invasive, low-risk procedures, there are still instances of significant harm if they do not follow standards of care. Some examples of dermatology malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis: A dermatologist may fail to properly diagnose a skin condition or mistake one condition for another, resulting in delayed or improper treatment. For example, a dermatologist may mistake a benign mole for melanoma or misdiagnose psoriasis as eczema.
- Failure to perform a biopsy: If a dermatologist fails to perform a biopsy when necessary, it can result in a missed diagnosis of skin cancer or a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
- Surgical errors: Dermatologists may perform procedures such as mole removal or skin cancer excision. However, if the procedure is performed improperly, it can lead to complications, such as scarring or infection.
- Medication errors: A dermatologist may prescribe the wrong medication or dosage, leading to adverse reactions or worsening the patient's condition.
- Lack of informed consent: A dermatologist may fail to fully inform the patient of the risks and benefits of a particular treatment or procedure, which can result in the patient making an uninformed decision or experiencing an unexpected outcome.
- Failure to follow up: A dermatologist may fail to properly monitor a patient's condition or follow up on abnormal test results, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
The role of a dermatologist in a personal injury case
Because the skin is the body’s first line of protection, skin injuries are frequently encountered in personal injury matters. Dermatologists can provide valuable insights into the nature and extent of the injuries, as well as their potential causes and long-term consequences. Based on their analysis of the evidence, a dermatologist may provide testimony on a variety of issues, such as:
- The severity of the skin injury and its impact on the patient's physical and emotional well-being
- The likely cause of the skin injury, including whether it was directly caused by the accident in question
- The appropriate course of treatment for the skin injury, including any necessary surgical procedures or ongoing care
- The long-term consequences of the skin injury, including the potential for scarring, disfigurement, or other lasting effects
Skin injuries often result in visible scarring and disfigurement, which means they play a significant role in determining appropriate compensation in a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. An experienced and effective dermatology expert witness can have a substantial impact on the outcome of a case.
Talk to a highly qualified dermatology expert witness
Our network of highly qualified, Board-Certified physicians includes dermatologists who are trained, experienced, and prepared to testify in depositions and at trial. If you need a dermatology expert witness or want to discuss a potential case involving a skin injury, contact us today.