By: Susan Maccoy
Tel: (312) 771-8086
Email Ms. Maccoy
I review all the depositions and documents taking reference to techniques, procedures, and timelines from the perspective of the neutral observer at the time of the event. I overview the incident replicating the situation. I mentally run through the event from start to finish including the pre-and-post events. I examine the timeline of the event paying special attention to all the testimony from those who were there at the time of the incident. By doing this I gather the information that will be helpful in forming my opinion.
I revisit the incident again through the perspective of each party participating. I question the facts from each perspective. I ask the question from each perspective, "What actually happened here?" If this incident was to be reproducible, "What would have to occur?" As I am reproducing the incident there is a comparison to the given testimony. I look for the unanswered questions: who, what and where and most importantly in what order. Using this approach I find that I can spot the reasons why the incident occurred, identify the procedural steps that were missed and find more points for further research and investigation.
I revisit all the data and notes one more time from the perspective of the neutral observer. I ask, "Have all the questions been answered in such a way that explain the result?" As my summary and report are drafted I work with a paralegal and legal team to insure proper legal format is in place (Rule 26). This process and analytical approach dramatically improves the presentation of the case in a written report or oral testimony.
Susan Maccoy is an actively practicing Cosmetologist and experienced Expert Witness on Beauty Salon and Spa and its Products, Processes, Procedures, Policies and Standards. With over 45 years of experience, Ms. Maccoy combines an extensive background and foundation of knowledge in cosmetology and salon business and operations with critical and analytical thinking to provide solid, informed support for litigation. She is a salon owner and has been a manager of independent and franchise chain salons. She holds current cosmetology licenses in Illinois and Florida.
©Copyright - All Rights Reserved
DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION BY AUTHOR.
4/7/2021· Expert Witnessing
Retaining The Expert Witness: Begin With The End In Mind
By: Beth Mohr, CFE, CAMS, CCCI
This article will discuss the forensic accounting expert, but these same strategies apply to other types of expert witnesses in a variety of fields, including medical experts, psychologists, accident reconstruction experts, engineers and other forensic experts. The consulting expert is a member of the legal team whose job it is to support the advocacy of the attorney.
11/3/2017· Expert Witnessing
How Independent Is Your Expert?
By: Michael J. Garibaldi CPA, ABV, CFF, CGMA
It may be detrimental to an expert witness's credibility if even the appearance of a lack of independence exists. In today's legal environment, discrediting an expert based on his or her relationship with counsel, the client or the judge is common. Let's examine how to identify an expert's independence.
5/16/2018· Expert Witnessing
Lawyers, Expert Witnesses and Ethics-Beyond Mere Testimony
By: Greg Gerganoff
Lawyers and courts turn to expert witnesses to provide triers of fact with explanations of aspects of a case that are not commonly known. It is the subject matter expert's education, experience, and skill in a particular area that will help the triers of fact to reach a well-informed conclusion/decision. Examples of expert witnesses include medical doctors, accountants, engineers, DNA scientists, and more. Lawyers (and the courts) will employ an expert witness to shed more light upon factual issues for the purpose of discerning the truth. In short, expert witnesses educate, clarify, and explain a subject that is not common knowledge for most people.
