I'm not sure how the process might differ from US to Canada, but I have done this a few times. It's a fair amount of work, but it pays reasonably well for your time. I was given the option to review the case first to see if I agreed with the side I was being asked to defend. The most frustrating part for me was being given a 3 week window that I had to keep open for the trial, even though I would ultimately only be needed for 1 or 2 of the days. It was also tough because I knew the neuro-ophthalmologist on the other end of the case, and we sent a lot of documents back and forth picking apart each others arguments. I know it wasn't personal, but it was hard not to take it that way. And it goes to show you that there are a lot of subtleties in the practice of medicine!
I'd say the most compelling reason to consider doing this work would be that if you were ever the defendant in need of an expert witness, you would hope that one of your colleagues would be willing to step up and do it too.
Lulu
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Original Message:
Sent: 6/22/2025 9:47:00 PM
From: Deborah Friedman
Subject: RE: Expert Witness
Hi,
I have not done any med-legal work in the past several years, and only do it for IIH/PTCS cases but I really enjoy it.
I suggest that we have some speak about it at the next NANOS WIN meeting or schedule a Zoom call. I have a friend who might be willing to do this (Zoom) as he has given talks about it in the past that I attended. (Alfredo Sadun has also done this.)
For me, the cardinal rule is to be genuine and honest. I review records (and charge for my time, of course) before I accept anything, and will be an expert for the defense or the prosecution depending on which side I think is right. I will also tell the attorney I don't think that they have a case or whether they should settle – and this is valuable information to them. No one wants to waste time, effort and money on a losing proposition or go to court if they don't have to.
I could do a talk but he has more recent experience than me (although I doubt that anything has changed).
Nothing to be afraid of! The attorney(s) you work with will help you.
Deb
Original Message:
Sent: 6/22/2025 4:02:00 PM
From: Sangeeta Khanna
Subject: Expert Witness
Hello All!
I am seeking some input for myself and others in this group! And yes, we have 115 WINers now connected on this online community. Hoping to reach 300!
So regarding expert witness work, my male colleagues seem to be just fine doing this, but I have so far not accepted any offer primarily due to fear of engaging with lawyers and unfamiliarity with the process and the fact that it is optional.
I have received a recent request and it occurred to me before turning that down to lean on to my WIN colleagues.
For those who have done this, any general wisdom to share?
Also can you offer me the gift of your time to chat about your experience with this process. Please reach out to me at my email: sangeetakhannamd@gmail.com or text me 314-610-4045.
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SangeetaKhannaUniversity of Michigan, Department of Ophthalmology and Neurology
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