Urology Expert Witnesses
The medical expertise attorneys need on complex cases
Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Urologists treat conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder and prostate cancer, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence. They may also perform surgical procedures like vasectomies, kidney transplants, and prostatectomies.
In the United States, urologists must hold a medical degree (MD or DO) and complete a five-year residency in urology. Board Certification in the specialty is administered by the American Board of Urology (ABU). Urologists may also complete fellowship training in a subspecialty such as:
- Pediatric urology: diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in children.
- Female urology or urogynecology: diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions that affect the female urinary tract, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Urologic oncology: diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancers, such as bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer.
- Renal transplantation: surgical management of renal transplant patients.
- Male infertility: diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, including sperm retrieval techniques and assisted reproductive technologies.
- Andrology: diagnosis and treatment of male reproductive system disorders, including erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders.
- Neurourology: diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions related to nerve damage or dysfunction, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
- Endourology: closed manipulation of the urinary tract using small cameras and instruments.
- Reconstructive urology: surgical management of conditions that require reconstruction of the urinary tract or genitalia, such as urethral strictures and hypospadias.
Some of the medical conditions urologists treat include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
- Bladder and kidney cancer
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
- Testicular cancer
- Peyronie's disease (curvature of the penis)
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Hypospadias (a birth defect where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis)
The role of a urologist as an expert witness
Many personal injury cases involve injuries that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system, either directly (for example, a traumatic injury to the urethra) or indirectly (for example, a spinal cord injury). An experienced urologist can offer an opinion on the cause of the injury, potential complications, the cost of urological treatment or surgery, and the long-term implications for the plaintiff’s physical and sexual health.
Urologists may also testify as expert witnesses in nursing home negligence cases that involve urinary tract infections, mismanagement of incontinence, and related issues. An experienced urologist can explain the symptoms of these illnesses, the risks to the resident’s health, and the role of negligence in allowing these conditions to worsen.
In medical malpractice matters involving urological malpractice, a Board-Certified urologist can explain the standard of care and opine on whether it was met or breached. Urologists are key expert witnesses in many cases involving misdiagnosis of prostate cancer, male infertility, and other serious medical conditions.
The best in urology to assist the legal community
Since 1986, Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been working with America’s leading medical malpractice and personal injury attorneys on high-stakes litigation. Our network includes experienced, Board-Certified urologists who are available for consultation, depositions, and trial testimony. Contact us today for a free case summary review.