Neurology Expert Witnesses
Unparalleled insight into legal matters involving brain injury and neurology malpractice
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders and diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists are physicians who are trained to diagnose and treat neurological disorders. The corresponding surgical specialty is neurosurgery.
In the United States, neurologists must complete a medical degree (MD or DO), followed by a four-year residency program in neurology. Residency provides hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions under the supervision of experienced neurologists. Many neurologists also complete a fellowship in a subspecialty such as epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, or neuroimaging. Board Certification in neurology is administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
Neurologists perform neurological examinations and use a variety of diagnostic tools, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. They treat a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Peripheral neuropathy
Neurology significantly overlaps with other specialties, including ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and psychiatry. Some physicians are trained in interdisciplinary specialties such as neuro-ophthalmology.
The neurologist as an expert witness
Neurologists are often called upon as expert witnesses in a wide variety of injury cases that involve damage to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, such as birth injuries that involve brain damage, slip and fall accidents that cause brain injuries, or motorcycle accidents that cause biker’s arm. A neurologist can offer their professional opinion on whether the accident or incident caused the plaintiff's neurological injury or disorder based on a review of the relevant medical evidence. A neurologist can also assess the plaintiff's neurological impairment and how it may impact their ability to work, carry out daily activities, and enjoy life, as well as the cost of treatment and long-term prognosis.
In addition, in medical malpractice cases involving misdiagnosis or poor treatment of a neurological disorder, a neurologist can testify regarding the applicable standard of care and offer a professional opinion on whether the standard of care was breached.
Legal matters involving brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and nerve damage often have very high stakes because of the permanent and disabling nature of these injuries. An experienced and capable neurologist can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Get the neurology expert witness you need
For decades, Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been working with America’s preeminent attorneys in medical malpractice, birth injury, and serious injury cases that require medical expertise. Our network includes Board-Certified neurologists who are prepared to offer compelling deposition and trial testimony in addition to consultation. To find out how we can help, contact us for a free case summary review.