Preparing for Deposition for Medical Malpractice Cases

Med mal deposition prep centers on isolating incremental harm, coordinating with causation experts, and defending the but-for baseline assumptions.

Checklist

  1. Confirm the causation opinion the damages experts relied upon
  2. Document the but-for baseline assumptions
  3. Review incremental harm isolation methodology
  4. Prepare on pre-existing condition analysis

Questions to ask the expert

  • How did you isolate incremental harm from baseline?
  • Which causation opinion did you rely on?
  • How did you handle pre-existing conditions?

Timeline

2-3 preparation sessions given complexity.

Required documents

  • Causation expert report
  • Standard-of-care expert report
  • Damages expert report

Common pitfalls

  • Inconsistency with causation opinion
  • Weak documentation of but-for baseline

Frequently Asked Questions

Are damages experts cross-examined on causation?

Not directly, but on whether the damages opinion is consistent with the relied-upon causation opinion.

References

  1. AHRQGovernment

Ready to Get Started on medical malpractice cases?

Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.