Speech-Language Pathologists as Expert Witnesses

by Brenda Chafin Seal, Lissa Power-deFur

-A child has a bilateral cochlear implant. Her receptive language and expressive language are both below expected milestones, and her parents are considering suing. -A cruise line is sued after a young passenger suffers a head injury. -A deaf man has been fired and brings a case for wrongful dismissal against the company. What links these legal disputes together is the need for an expert in communication disorders a speech-language pathologist. This groundbreaking book provides a comprehensive resource for speech-language pathologists who may already serve as expert witnesses, for those wanting to broaden their practice to include expert witnessing and for those who may find themselves involved in a dispute or due process hearing. Complex concepts are explained through numerous case studies as examples of disputes in all work settings. Brenda Chafin Seal and Lissa Power-deFur draw on their many years of experience as speech-language pathologists and as expert witnesses to help you understand all of the -the roles and responsibilities of expert and fact witnesses -the ethical issues involved in both agreeing to serve as a witness and in serving as a witness -preliminary and contractual tasks required of expert witnesses -legal terminology and procedures used across the nation and in different states -the legal framework and background for different types of disputes -the importance of documentation, including clear communication, throughout the process -business considerations, including conflicts of interest as well as financial issues, and employment issues -how following best practice can avoid or mitigate litigation -how reflection and assessment can improve expert witnessing under the scope of practice Speech-language pathologists are uniquely positioned to offer expertise in communication and swallowing disorders disputes and to disambiguate confusion in complex cases. This book will give you the insights you need as a confident and knowledgeable witness to represent yourself, your client, and your profession in malpractice, health care disputes, privacy and confidentiality breaches, abuse, child custody, fraud, special education conflicts, criminal cases, civil rights claims, and more.

232 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2020