Neuropathology Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses knowledgeable in neuropathology malpractice
Neuropathology is the study of diseases that affect the tissues of the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The job of a neuropathologist is to examine nerve tissue and identify abnormalities in the structure, function, or biochemistry of the nervous system to help diagnose neurological diseases. Neuropathology should not be confused with neuropathy, which refers to disorders of the nerves (usually in the peripheral nervous system).
Neuropathologists must obtain a medical degree (MD or DO), complete residency training in pathology, and then complete a fellowship program in neuropathology. Board Certification in neuropathology is handled by the American Board of Pathology (ABP).
The role of neuropathologists in medical malpractice and personal injury cases
Neuropathologists are primarily involved in diagnosis, so most malpractice cases in neuropathology involve misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a neurological disorder.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: A neuropathologist may misdiagnose a disease or fail to diagnose it promptly.
- Failure to perform appropriate testing: A neuropathologist may not perform necessary tests or misinterpret the results, leading to an incorrect diagnosis or treatment.
- Improper handling or storage of specimens: If a neuropathologist improperly handles or stores specimens, it may result in contamination or degradation of the specimen, leading to an incorrect diagnosis or treatment.
- Failure to communicate results: A neuropathologist may fail to communicate test results or miscommunicate them, leading to incorrect or delayed treatment.
- Negligent laboratory management: A neuropathologist may oversee a laboratory that fails to follow appropriate protocols or meet industry standards, leading to incorrect diagnoses or treatments.
Neuropathological medical malpractice can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or delayed treatment of many serious medical issues, including brain damage, epilepsy, infections, nerve damage, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer, or Parkinson’s disease. In malpractice cases, an experienced, Board-Certified neuropathologist can explain the diagnostic standards of care and whether the defendant met that standard.
Neuropathologists can also play a valuable role as expert witnesses in cases involving neurological injuries and disorders, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). In high-stakes brain injury litigation, the right expert witness can make a dramatic difference.
Contact our medical experts today
If you have a case involving neuropathology malpractice or a brain injury, you need the right expert witness to support your claim. The Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants team has highly qualified neuropathologists who can help. Contact us for a free case summary review to find out how we can assist with your potential case.