HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CONSTRUCTION EXPERT WITNESS

WHAT IS AN EXPERT WITNESS?

An Expert Witness is a professional who has been called upon to help the court better understand a certain area of expertise in the midst of legal proceedings. Those with certified qualifications from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can provide evidence and testimony connected to surveying, purchase valuation, dilapidation claims, property development, retail assessment and much more in regard to land-based disputes.

Choosing the right construction expert witness for your legal case can be a complex and time-consuming process. There are certain criteria to consider, such as their qualifications, experience, and expertise. Our guide offers insight into how to select the best expert witness who is best suited to your situation.

Before you start your search for the right construction expert witness, it’s important to identify what qualifications and experience you need from them. Determine what type of legal team you will require, as well as the specific knowledge and skills needed for your particular case. You may also want to consider if the witness has any previous experience with similar cases or any other relevant affiliations. Consider these points in order to make sure that the expert witness has all the necessary credentials and capabilities to adequately support your case.

LOOKING FOR EXPERTISE IN YOUR FIELD OF NEED

You want to ensure that the expert witness you select will get the best results and has knowledge of what is expected of them. If they work for a reputable company, it is more likely that they will be qualified for your case. RICS provides a 20-page register, on their website, of countless registered expert witnesses. The document provides the witness’s name, firm, geographical area, and contact details. The register makes the process of finding the right expert witness a lot easier by choosing directly from RICS, it will ensure you have a trustworthy witness.

Another factor that you should have on your checklist is an Expert Witness Certificate. By gaining the official certificate from RICS, the witness would have undertaken a course that taught them the following:

• Managing the appointment
• Managing the post-appointment service
• Constructing a comprehensive expert report
• Discussions between experts
• Delivering effective expert evidence in court

By learning the process of all these components, the expert witness will be able to work on your case successfully and confidently.