Expert witnesses play a crucial role in establishing the link between the liable party’s negligence and your resulting injuries by providing unbiased, professional opinions. These witnesses are usually qualified professionals who are familiar with circumstances similar to your case. In Illinois, all medical malpractice cases require the use of a Certificate or Affidavit of Merit. This is a certificate from a similarly qualified healthcare provider containing statements showing that your healthcare provider was negligent and could have avoided the mistakes that led to your injuries. Jurors often rely on the testimonies of these experts before deciding on a case. Because most expert witnesses will often only respond to court summons or requests from a lawyer, it’s best to allow your medical malpractice attorney to identify the best expert witnesses and encourage them to testify on your behalf.