Hematology Expert Witnesses
The expertise you need for legal matters involving blood disorders
Hematology is the branch of internal medicine concerned with blood diseases that affect blood production and its components, such as blood cells, hemoglobin, blood proteins, the mechanism of coagulation, etc. A hematologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders, including anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, bleeding disorders, and clotting disorders.
After completing medical school, hematologists must complete a residency program in internal medicine or pediatrics, which typically lasts three years. They must then complete a fellowship in hematology or hematology/oncology for another two to three years. Board Certification in hematology is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Hematologists may use various diagnostic techniques, such as blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms. Treatment options may include medications, blood transfusions, stem cell transplants, or chemotherapy, depending on the specific condition and the patient's needs.
What is hematology malpractice?
A hematologist can be held responsible for medical malpractice if they do not follow established standards of care in diagnosing or treating blood disorders. Some examples of hematology malpractice may include:
- Failure to accurately diagnose a blood disorder.
- Prescribing the wrong medication or wrong dosage to treat a blood disorder.
- Failing to monitor a patient’s blood levels or other vital signs.
- Failing to initiate treatment for a blood disorder promptly.
- Failing to communicate accurately with other medical providers or order follow-up tests.
The hematologist as an expert witness
In cases involving hematology malpractice, a Board-Certified hematologist can explain the applicable standards of care in treating a blood disorder and offer a professional opinion on whether the defendant physician met that standard of care. For example, a hematologist can explain whether test results were misinterpreted or whether there was an unreasonable delay in treatment.
Moreover, in many types of injury cases, a hematologist can be a critical expert witness to explain how exposure to a toxin or defective product may have caused harm to the plaintiff’s circulatory system or contributed to the development of a blood disorder. A hematologist can also explain the long-term implications of a blood disorder, the cost of treatment, and the effects on the plaintiff’s quality of life. Since anemia can cause weakness and other symptoms that significantly affect the plaintiff’s ability to work, this can be a critical factor in calculating damages.
Talk to an experienced, Board-Certified hematologist about your case
Legal matters involving blood disorders can be complex and highly contested matters. Having the right expert witness can make all the difference. If you need a hematologist as a consultant or expert witness at trial, talk to Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants today for your free case summary review.