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Do I Need an Expert Witness for My Wrongful Death Case?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

If you believe the death of your loved resulted from the carelessness or recklessness of someone else, you could be entitled to the proceeds of a wrongful death claim. While these lawsuits have much in common with personal injury cases, there are significant differences.

Often, the amount of compensation in a wrongful death claim is much higher than an injury lawsuit. However, determining the at-fault party can be challenging, given that the individual is no longer alive. This is why an expert witness could play an important role in this type of claim. It is possible that you may need one or even multiple expert witnesses during your lawsuit.

How an expert can help

There are many types of wrongful death claims. These cases can involve anything from car accidents to defective medical devices to dangerous household cleaners. Expert witnesses are professionals who have mastered their field. They are knowledgeable in the particulars of a claim, which can be invaluable to your case. Not only can they use their expertise to testify on your behalf, but they can also assist you and your legal team with understanding the facts surrounding your loved one’s death. The guidance and testimony of an expert witness can turn the tide in a contentious wrongful death case.

Types of expert witnesses in wrongful death claims

In general, there are two reasons why you might call an expert witness to testify at trial. The first is to use their expertise to establish that the defendant was at fault for your loved one’s death. The other reason for using an expert witness is to establish the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Some common types of experts used in wrongful death cases include:

Accident reconstruction experts. Many wrongful death cases stem from car accidents. An accident reconstruction expert can take physical evidence from the scene like skid marks or the location of the damage on a vehicle to determine who was at fault.
Engineers. When the design or construction of a building results in collapse, any deaths that result could lead to a wrongful death claim. An engineer could review the plans or the wreckage and testify if the builder or architect were negligent.
Doctors. Doctors can serve as expert witnesses to determine if a medical professional acted reasonably during treatment. Medical experts could also testify to the amount of compensation is necessary for the decedent’s final medical care.
Economists. Economists could testify in many situations related to determining damages. They could provide insight into a deceased person’s future wages had they survived or estimate the amount of financial support their family will miss out on due to their death.

Contact us for a confidential case evaluation

At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C., we can do far more than file a lawsuit or appear for you in court in a wrongful death case. We have extensive experience hiring expert witnesses that could ensure that you receive the most damages possible for your case. Financial compensation won’t bring your loved one back, but it will help with a sense of closure and justice.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 16 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 80 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 118 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 138 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
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   Lynn Gill 
 142 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

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Do I Need an Expert Witness for My Wrongful Death Case?

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