"Expert Protect Thyself..."
Protecting Physicians' Testimony and Defending Your Reputation
Trusted and Award-Winning Representation




In the realm of medical malpractice and legal proceedings, expert witnesses play a crucial role in elucidating complex medical issues for the court. However, too often, professional medical associations view physicians who testify truthfully about actual malpractice as “the enemy.” This “us-versus-them” mentality is not only unfair but also contrary to medical ethics, which recognize that physicians providing truthful testimony serve a necessary function in the legal system.
Medical evidence is critical in a variety of legal and administrative proceedings. As citizens and as professionals with specialized knowledge and experience, physicians have an obligation to assist in the administration of justice. [1]
At Deutsch Law, we advocate for honest expert testimony, understanding its importance in upholding medical standards and ensuring justice. We support physicians in fulfilling their ethical obligations while protecting their professional reputations against baseless complaints.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Expert Witness
As a physician acting as an expert witness, you hold a significant role in legal proceedings, particularly in medical malpractice cases. Your testimony can help clarify complex medical issues for the court, ensuring that justice is served. However, serving as an expert witness involves both rights and responsibilities that must be carefully understood and respected.
Your Rights as an Expert Witness
- Right to Provide Unbiased Testimony
- Protection from Retaliation
- Right to Legal Support
- Right to Privacy and Professional Integrity
Your Responsibilities as an Expert Witness
- Testify Truthfully
- Maintain Professional Integrity
- Prepare Thoroughly
- Protect Your Reputation
Examples of Challenges Expert Witnesses May Face
- Unwarranted Complaints
- Retaliation from Medical Associations
- Misinterpretation of Testimony
- Defamation from Peers
If you are a physician serving as an expert witness and need guidance or legal support, Deutsch Law is here to help.
Why Choose Deutsch Law for Expert Witness Representation?
Specialized Expertise in Expert Witness Law: Deutsch Law specializes in defending expert witnesses, protecting physicians who provide truthful testimony, addressing baseless complaints from medical associations, and ensuring compliance with AMA ethical standards.
Proven Track Record of Success: With a strong track record, we meticulously defend physicians against unjustified complaints, ensuring every detail is thoroughly examined.
Compassionate and Dedicated Support: We understand the impact of wrongful complaints and provide dedicated support, guiding you through the legal process with care.
Our Expert Witness Expertise
Comprehensive Coverage for Expert Witness Issues
We cover a wide range of legal matters related to expert witness testimony, providing comprehensive support to physicians in various legal settings.
Defending Against Baseless Complaints
Protecting Your Professional Reputation
Navigating Medical Association Issues
Ensuring Ethical Testimony Compliance
Handling Legal Challenges and Retaliation
What Our Clients Say

4.7 out of 5
“Dear Larry,
Please accept our gratitude for your herculean efforts. Because of your guidance, we can now hopefully smile when he looks at the “Man in the Mirror.” You were our general; you were our Atticus Finch.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. V”
“Dear Larry,
I have been meaning to write to you to say “Thank you,” for all the work. You believed in us right from the start. Your integrity and professionalism were truly exceptional, and very much appreciated! I wish I had been there when the jury came back. My husband called me at work and I started to cry. From what I hear, your summation was just fabulous. You should be so proud.
Sincerely,
Mrs. D.”
“I wanted to sincerely thank you for all your effort on my behalf. I honestly never imagined that I would receive such a large settlement. I am very grateful that you represented me with such professionalism, knowledge, courtesy, and of course, great negotiating skills. It’s such a comfort to know that now I can worry a little less knowing I have a nice cushion for retirement and my family.
Thanks again for everything!”
Our Approach to Expert Witness Cases
Initial Consultation
During your consultation, we’ll listen to your concerns, evaluate the specifics of your situation, and outline the best legal strategies to protect your professional standing and personal well-being.
Detailed Case Investigation
We conduct thorough investigations, including reviewing the details of the complaint, assessing the validity of the claims, and gathering evidence to support your defense.
Expert Collaboration
We connect you with top-tier legal and medical professionals, guaranteeing that every detail of your case is thoroughly analyzed and backed by expert testimony.
Negotiation and Litigation
We aim to resolve conflicts through negotiation whenever feasible, but we are fully equipped to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the justice and protection you are entitled to.
Collaborating with top medical experts—including Ivy League alumni and department heads—gives us the edge to win even the most complex cases.
Do you need legal support for your expert witness testimony?
Don’t let baseless complaints or defamation compromise your professional integrity and future. Let Deutsch Law advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping you protect your reputation and hold negligent parties accountable in medical malpractice and unethical complaints.
Have questions your expert witness case? We have answers!
Why are charges against expert witnesses often difficult to defend, and how do medical associations handle these complaints?
Charges are almost never brought against physicians testifying in defense of other physicians. And, regardless of the good faith of the expert, such charges can be difficult to defend when based on vague and subjective standards, such as when opposing litigation experts are expressing honest disagreements about the standard of care.
Medical associations bringing such charges often act as “prosecutor, judge, and jury,” meaning the same individuals who initiate a complaint also judge the outcome.[2] It is our experience that many such “complaints” are, unfortunately, improperly motivated and adjudicated in a biased manner.
What are the potential risks of providing expert testimony?
Providing expert testimony can expose you to certain risks, including the possibility of facing professional complaints or defamation claims if your testimony is challenged. You may also be questioned aggressively during cross-examination, which can strain your professional reputation. Additionally, in some cases, your credibility as an expert may be called into question by opposing parties. It’s important to have proper legal representation to help mitigate these risks and ensure that your testimony is clear, objective, and in line with professional standards.
How does Deutsch Law assist physicians providing expert testimony in proceedings before medical associations?
Recognizing that honest expert testimony serves the highest standards of medicine and an important public policy interest, we have represented physicians providing expert testimony in proceedings before their associations.
We have in some cases been able to convince associations to take a more measured approach, when they understand that their ability to sanction a member physician may be subject to legal scrutiny and that the proceedings must provide safeguards of fundamental fairness (“procedural due process”). [3]
In addition, should an expert be “defamed” by a baseless complaint to an Association, and harmed as a result, the defamed party may have legal redress. [4]
How long do I have to respond to a complaint against me in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for responding to a professional complaint can vary depending on the association’s rules and the nature of the complaint. It is crucial to consult with an expert witness lawyer in New York as soon as possible to understand your specific timeline and rights.
What compensation can I receive for defamation?
If you are defamed by a baseless complaint, you may be entitled to compensation for damage to your reputation, emotional distress, and any financial losses incurred as a result. The specific compensation depends on the details and severity of your case.
How do you handle my expert witness case?
We handle each case with personalized attention, conducting thorough investigations, collaborating with legal and medical experts, and employing the strategic legal tactics needed for protecting professional reputation and achieve the best possible outcome.
What types of expert witness cases do you handle?
We handle a wide range of expert witness cases, including defending against baseless complaints from medical associations, protecting your professional reputation, drafting consulting agreements, preparing for testimony, and more. Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
What is the process of filing a defamation lawsuit against a medical association?
Filing a defamation lawsuit involves several steps, including gathering evidence of the defamatory statements, consulting with legal and medical experts, filing the complaint, conducting discovery, negotiating high-value settlements, and, if necessary, going to trial. Our team guides you through each step to ensure a smooth process.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. There is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.
How do you communicate with clients during the case?
We prioritize clear and consistent communication with our clients. You will receive regular updates on your case’s progress, and our team is always available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
References
[1] AMA Code of Medical Ethics, sec. 9.7.1.
[2] See, e.g. In re Higby, Court of Appeals, Texas (2002) (https://www.leagle.com/decision/intxco20121220825) in which it was held that the medical society at issue (ACOG) was not a “professional peer review” association entitled to privilege against litigation discovery on issues of potential bias.
[3] See, e.g. Austin v. AANS (2001) (https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-7th-circuit/1429913.html); Barrash v. AANS (2016) (https://casetext.com/case/barrash-v-am-assn-of-neurological-surgeons-3).
[4] “Peer Review and Due Process,” AMA Code of Medical Ethics, sec .9.4.1: “….Fairness is essential in all disciplinary or other hearings where the reputation, professional status, or livelihood of the physician or medical student may be adversely affected. Individually, physicians and medical students who are involved in reviewing the conduct of fellow professionals, medical students, residents, or fellows should always adhere to principles of a fair and objective hearing, including:
- A listing of specific charges
- Adequate notice of the right of a hearing
- The opportunity to be present and to rebut the evidence
- The opportunity to present a defense
- Ensure that the reviewing body includes a significant number of persons at a similar level of training.
- Disclose relevant conflicts of interest and, when appropriate, recuse themselves from a hearing.
- Collectively, through the medical societies and institutions with which they are affiliated, physicians should ensure that such bodies provide procedural safeguards for due process in their constitutions and bylaws or policies.