PRODUCT LIABILITY EXPERT WITNESSES, CONSULTANTS & TESTIFYING ADVISORS

Top product liability expert witnesses, testimony consultants and testifying reviewers are tasked with analyzing and explaining technical issues related to defects, safety, and compliance. Depending on the nature of the case, different types of the world’s best product liability expert witnesses are required to provide input. While no two SMEs are created alike, we look at typical types of providers encountered.

1. Engineering Experts

The most commonly sought-after SMEs in cases. Leading product liability expert witnesses here focus on assessing the design, manufacturing processes, and functionality of products. KOLs are especially valuable in cases involving mechanical, electrical, or structural failures. As famous product liability expert witnesses, reviewers can evaluate whether a good was properly engineered, identify design flaws, and explain whether these issues contributed to an injury or malfunction. Mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and civil engineers are examples of professionals who may be called to testify in such cases.

2. Material Science Experts

Material science product liability expert witnesses focus on the properties and behavior of materials used in items including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Consultants are essential in cases where product failure is linked to the materials used, such as in product degradation, corrosion, or stress fractures. SMEs help determine whether the product was made with the appropriate materials for its intended use, whether the material selection contributed to the defect, or if manufacturing errors compromised the material’s integrity.

3. Human Factors Experts

Human factors or ergonomics product liability expert witnesses specialize in studying how people interact with items. In cases involving consumer goods, medical devices, or machinery, reviewers can analyze whether a product was designed with the user’s safety and ease of use in mind. KOLs assess whether design flaws, such as poor user interfaces or inadequate warnings, contributed to the product’s malfunction or an accident. Human factors experts tend to testify in cases involving medical device defects, vehicle accidents, or consumer electronics.

4. Safety Experts

And then these product liability expert witnesses are responsible for evaluating whether a good meets the required safety standards and whether manufacturers adhered to regulations regarding product testing and consumer protection. Advisors can assess whether the product’s design, manufacturing, or use instructions complied with federal, state, or international safety regulations. In cases of recalls, defective products, or unsafe conditions, safety experts can help determine whether the product posed a risk to consumers and whether it was properly tested before reaching the market.

5. Regulatory and Compliance Experts

Regulatory and compliance product liability expert witnesses specialize in interpreting and applying safety standards and regulations, such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or international regulatory bodies. Leaders can testify whether a product adhered to these regulatory requirements and assess the legal implications of non-compliance. Folks are crucial in cases involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods that require specific certifications before being sold to the public.