IME witness abuse limited Two Society members were victimized beyond the Court s tolerance during corollary impeachment interrogation, prompting appeals and eventually some protective regulations for physician-witnesses. However, in the above cases, the opposing attorney demanded an exact accounting of how many cases the orthopaedic surgeon examined for the attorney, how much time he spent on court work versus his regular practice, his earnings, income tax reports, etc. After the Florida Supreme Court reforms, the physician is still required to state why he was hired and his compensation, the percentage of his examinations done for plaintiff and defense cases, and the percentage of his time devoted to doing IMEs. Summary There are several changes in law and procedure affecting negligence litigation in Florida, especially auto accident cases. A great majority of cases are settled through mediation which is mandated by law.
Parties seeking redress by trial are usually very far apart.
Damages can be assessed unsuspecting parties who indirectly contribute to an accident. Juries appear more conservative than previously and physicians have been extended a measure of protection when testifying as independent expert witnesses. Home Copyright 1998. All rights reserved.