Hepatology Expert Witnesses
Deep insight into matters involving the liver and pancreas
Hepatology, traditionally considered a sub-specialty of gastroenterology, is the branch of medicine that focuses on the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas, as well as management of their disorders. Physicians who specialize in this field are called hepatologists. They have specialized knowledge and training in the physiology, pathology, and treatment of these organs and conditions, which include viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, autoimmune liver diseases, and other complex liver disorders.
Following medical school, hepatologists must complete a three-year residency in internal medicine, then a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology, which typically lasts two to three years. Hepatologists can then seek Board Certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in the subspecialty of transplant hepatology or gastroenterology and hepatology.
Hepatologists are often consulted to manage patients with acute or chronic liver diseases, including those who require liver transplantation. Other medical conditions hepatologists may treat include:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Drug overdose
- Liver disease
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis
- Enzyme defects that affect the liver
- Cirrhosis
- Infections in the liver or pancreas
- Pancreatitis
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
What is hepatologist malpractice?
Hepatologists can be held legally liable if they fail to meet standards of care in diagnosing or treating liver or pancreatic disease. Some examples include:
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of liver cancer or hepatitis.
- Prescribing the incorrect medication or dosage to treat liver disease.
- Failure to properly communicate with other specialists or provide a referral for follow-up testing or care.
The hepatologist as an expert witness
Many types of injuries can cause harm to the liver or pancreas. As such, a hepatologist can be a valuable expert witness in injury and disability matters. For example, if a plaintiff has suffered liver damage due to exposure to a toxic substance, a hepatologist can provide expert testimony on the extent of the damage and the likely prognosis for the patient. Similarly, if a plaintiff sustained a liver injury in a car accident, a hepatologist can provide expert testimony on the likely cause of the injury, the extent of the injury, and the likely cost of treatment.
In addition, in cases involving hepatologist malpractice, a Board Certified hepatologist can review medical records and testify regarding the accepted standard of care that should have been provided. The hepatologist can provide their professional opinion on whether the defendant physician acted within the standard of care, and if the standard of care was breached, whether the patient suffered harm due to the breach.
The right medical expert can make all the difference
Cases involving liver disease or liver injury can be complex, high-stakes matters. An experienced, Board-Certified hepatologist can be the key to finding the truth. If you’re considering a legal case involving hepatologist malpractice or a liver injury, contact us for a free case summary review.