title: Expert witness reform.
abstract: The legal system depends on the medical expert for evidence. Doctors readily complain about frivolous cases that go to trial, yet a lawyer cannot bring a frivolous claim to trial without a physician expert witness stating that the claim is not frivolous. An insurance company cannot raise premiums without medical expert witnesses servicing the increasing litigation against the insured. Physicians must look to themselves as a major contributor to rising malpractice insurance costs. For without the physician expert witness, no medical malpractice lawsuit can take place. It is the expert physician, not the attorneys or insurance companies, who defines "meritless" and "frivolous" and who ultimately controls the courts' medical malpractice caseload.
authors: Dallas, Texas From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Nancy L & Perry Bass Advanced Wound Healing Laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
authors: J Bauer
authors: JB
authors: Horton
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Reece
authors: Jeffrey E
authors: JE
authors: Janis
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Broughton
authors: Larry
authors: L
authors: Hollier
authors: James F
authors: JF
authors: Thornton
authors: Jeffrey M
authors: JM
authors: Kenkel
authors: Rod J
authors: RJ
authors: Rohrich
mesh_terms: D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D005249:Fees and Charges; D006801:Humans; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000191:economics; D008007:Licensure, Medical / Q000592:standards; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D009042:Motivation; D005791:Patient Care / Q000191:economics; D010819:Physician's Role; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States