Service Showcase - Expert Witness
Our Expert Witness service is one of our lesser-known services that we provide at SCC but year on year we are handling more cases for our clients. This service area has seen a significant growth in the last two years and is keeping Stephen Clarke, our resident Expert Witness very busy. Stephen Clarke has over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, most of which have been as a Building Services Engineer.
Stephen is a Member of the Academy of Experts (MAE), a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIEI), Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (MCIBSE) and a Member of the Institution of Engineers Ireland (MIEI) all of which demonstrate his commitment, experience and provide him with the knowledge to be a competent expert witness.
Why are expert witnesses important?
The main role of an expert witness is to express their independent expert opinion on information that has been provided on an arbitration, tribunal or litigation case. They will give an opinion of the evidence provided within their expertise and provide a report that will be seen by the other side and the court. Stephen’s reports and advice have settled many cases in and out of the court room by providing independent, unbiased and impartial evidence. A few key reasons why expert witness’s play such a crucial role in the legal system:
• Specialised knowledge- Expert witnesses have specialised knowledge, training and expertise in their industry that is relevant to the case. This allows them to offer insights and explanations that the average person may not understand.
• Support for claims and defences- Expert witnesses can help support the claims and defences put forth by either party in a case. They can provide evidence that strengthens the argument of one side and refute or counter the arguments of the opposing side.
• Classification & Interpretation – Complex technical evidence can be difficult to understand without expert interpretation. Expert witnesses will break down complicated concepts, data or evidence making it easier to understand.
• Credibility – Expert witnesses are seen as credible and trustworthy due to qualifications and experience. Testimonials can carry significant weight with juries and judges.
• Fill Evidence gaps- in some cases there is insufficient evidence to establish liability. An expert witness will provide additional evidence or opinions to fill the gaps and aid a stronger case.
If you would like to know more about this service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch office@sccmep.com