Open AccessACOG Committee Opinion No. 374: Expert Testimony
Author(s) -
Gynecologists
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
obstetrics and gynecology (new york. 1953. online)/obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.664
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1873-233X
pISSN - 0029-7844
DOI - 10.1097/01.aog.0000263921.00566.3b
Subject(s) - expert witness , plaintiff , medicine , compensation (psychology) , malpractice , duty , law , medical malpractice , witness , government (linguistics) , personal injury , expert opinion , social psychology , political science , psychology , linguistics , philosophy , intensive care medicine
It is the duty of obstetricians and gynecologists who testify as expert witnesses on behalf of defendants, the government, or plaintiffs to do so solely in accordance with their judgment on the merits of the case. Obstetrician-gynecologists must limit testimony to their sphere of medical expertise and must be prepared adequately. They must make a clear distinction between medical malpractice and medical maloccurrence. The acceptance of fees that are greatly disproportionate to those customary for professional services can be construed as influencing testimony given by the witness, and it is unethical to accept compensation that is contingent on the outcome of litigation.