Pulmonologist Expert Witnesses
Highly qualified experts for legal cases involving the lungs
Pulmonology, also known as respiratory medicine, is the medical specialty that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the respiratory system, including the lungs, bronchi, trachea, and diaphragm. Pulmonology is considered a sub-specialty of internal medicine, but it also has a great deal of overlap with critical care medicine because both specialties deal with patients who need mechanical ventilation.
Pulmonologists are physicians trained to diagnose and manage respiratory conditions. Becoming a pulmonologist requires a medical degree (MD or DO), a three-year residency in internal medicine, and a two- to three-year fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Some pulmonologists pursue additional sub-specialty training in areas such as sleep medicine or lung transplantation. Board Certification for pulmonologists is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Pulmonologists treat a wide range of respiratory diseases, including but not limited to:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Lung cancer and mesothelioma
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Sleep apnea
- Interstitial lung disease
- Occupational lung disease
- Pleural effusion
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonologists use various diagnostic tools, such as pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and bronchoscopy, to evaluate the respiratory system and develop treatment plans tailored to the patient's specific needs. Treatment options may include medication, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or surgery.
The role of a pulmonologist as an expert witness
Numerous types of medical malpractice matters involve the lungs and thus require a pulmonologist as an expert witness. Of course, in cases involving malpractice by a pulmonologist, it’s essential to have a physician in the same specialty testify about the applicable standard of care and offer an opinion on whether it was met or breached. In addition, if a doctor in another specialty causes lung injury or disease – for example, by puncturing a lung during surgery – then a pulmonologist can offer a professional opinion on the cause of the injury, the treatment required, and the long-term prognosis for the patient.
Pulmonologists are also important witnesses in personal injury matters involving lung injuries or exposure to toxins (including asbestos) that can cause lung disease and lung cancer. A pulmonologist can offer an opinion on the cause of the lung disease or lung injury, the extent of the injury, the cost of required treatment, and the effects the injury could have on the patient’s ability to breathe.
Contact Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants today
Injury and disability matters involving the lungs tend to have high stakes. Having the right medical expert is essential. Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been working with some of America’s leading medical malpractice and personal injury attorneys for decades. Our network includes highly qualified, Board-Certified pulmonologists who are prepared to testify in depositions and at trial. Contact us today for a free case summary review.