Professional Malpractice (General) Expert Witnesses: 120

Scott S. Margraves, CIC, has over 34 years of Commercial Property and Casualty Insurance experience. He is the Principal Consultant and Founder of Gulf Coast Risk Management, LLC (GCRM). GCRM provides research, analysis and advice to commerce, industry, government and individuals. 

GCRM operates COIs R Us, a certificate of insurance (COI) compliance and tracking company. COIs R Us compares the contractual obligations of a lease agreement with the COI. COIs R Us processes thousands of COIs for landlords and general contractors for compliance annually.

Litigation Support - Mr. Margraves has been designated as an expert witness in over 30 cases across 6 states in both state and federal courts, working with defense and plaintiffs on property & casualty insurance matters he believed in. Services include standard of care review, deposition question preparation, document review, and trial testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise:

Property & Casualty Insurance Certificate of Insurance (COI) Tracking and Compliance Insurance Claims Bad Faith Agency Bonds

Cyber Surety Marine Insurance Safety Programs HR Coordination Contract Integration

Background Experience - GCRM provides consulting services to attorneys, property managers, and general contractors regarding insurance placement, interpretation, and recommended contractual insurance requirements while explaining the relationship and alignment with indemnity and insurance provisions.

Mr. Margraves is well-versed in the placement of insurance policies from an insured's perspective. He produced thousands of commercial portfolios, along with personal lines, life, health, and other ancillary insurance products. As a front-line producer, he weathered forty-three (five major) hurricanes, three “five-hundred-year” floods and multiple catastrophic fire claims. Agency roles included insurance broker, claims facilitator, marketing, agency partner, and risk manager. Mr. Margraves developed extensive experience in all aspects of property & casualty insurance policy form interpretation, applications, claims, safety programs, and contract integration. He is familiar with bad faith, standard of care, claims handling, and errors & omissions. 

Mr. Margraves is Past President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston, Past Vice chairman of IIAT IMPACT Region 10, Member of Insurance Academy, and Lifetime Committeemen for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He started his second career as a full-time consultant in 2020. He is an insurance industry expert that brings extensive experience in all aspects of property casualty insurance interpretation, policy forms, claims, safety programs, HR coordination and contract integration.

View GCRM's Consulting Profile.

Gregory P. Brown, MD, is a is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and specializes in the fields of adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. His private office is dedicated to the practice of Forensic Psychiatry, and includes evaluations for matters in civil court, criminal court, family court, and independent psychiatric evaluations.

Dr. Brown is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and the Residency Training Program Director, at the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine. He founded the Psychiatry Residency Training Program, and has been the Residency Training Director since the time of the first entering class in 2004, under the UNRSOM.

Litigation Support - Dr. Brown has extensive experience in medico-legal work. As a Board Certified Forensic Psychiatrist, he has worked in diverse areas of this subspecialty of psychiatry. Dr. Brown offers litigations support services to attorneys for Plaintiff and Defendant.

Services include Disability Evaluations, Estate Planning Capacity Evaluations, Independent Psychiatric Evaluations, Medical Board Evaluations, Fitness for Duty Evaluations, Department of Energy Fitness Evaluations, Social Security Appeals Record Reviews, and Independent File Reviews for Medical Necessity and for Disability Claims.

Forensic Experience Includes:

• Criminal Court Evaluations - Competence to Stand Trial, Assessment of Criminal Responsibility, NGRI Assessments
• Civil Court Evaluations - Personal Injury with Psychiatric symptoms, Brain Injury with Psychiatric symptoms, Malpractice related questions
• Family Court Evaluations - Involuntary Commitment, Guardianship, Testamentary Capacity, Undue Influence, Contractual Capacity, Fitness to Parent, Child Custody
• Third Party Forensic Evaluations - Fitness for Duty, Return to Work, Disability, ADA Accommodations, Medical Necessity, Independent Psychiatric Evaluations

Wayne H. Grant, PharmD, is a Clinical Pharmacist with over 30 years of pharmacy experience working in or within various practice settings—retail, long-term care, home infusion, sterile products, corrections, hospice, specialty, and hospitals.  

Dr. Grant has prepared and delivered educational programs to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals based on his extensive experience in multiple disease states. Programs include topics such as Pain Management, COPD, and Motor Neuron Diseases.

Serving as an integral member of multiple pharmacy and therapeutics committees, he has promoted evidence-based interventions while driving quality initiatives and building a highly collaborative consortium among healthcare professionals.  

Earning his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida, his Master of Business Administration for Kent State University, and his Bachelor of Science from Ohio Northern University highlights Dr. Grant's drive for education, understanding, and application of pharmacy services.  

Dr. Wayne Grant on Consulting with Attorneys

Litigation Support - Dr. Grant is an expert in pharmacy practice. His expertise in long-term, institutional, infusion, and retail practice allow for an extensive understanding of the various pharmacy sectors. He is responsible for pharmacotherapeutic management, medication safety and efficacy and drug information all which follow federal, state, and local laws. He has provided a variety of expert witness services on behalf of legal professionals, including attorney consultation, case review, case opinion, and written case opinion. 

Areas of Medication Expertise:

Adverse Drug Reactions Chronic Pain Drugs and Narcotics Geriatrics Hospice / Palliative Care Hospital Pharmacy Infusion Pharmacy

Long Term Care Medical-Legal Issues Nursing Homes Overdosages Pain Management Pharmaceutical Care Pharmacology Acute Rehab Hospital

View Dr. Grant's Consulting Profile.

Gloria Kardong, MD, DLFAPA, DABPN is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who has been in full time private practice in Palo Alto, CA for over 35 years, Licensed in 10 states. She is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University Medical Center and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. 

Dr. Kardong offers Forensic Psychiatric litigation support services in civil and criminal cases to attorneys for Plaintiff and Defense. Her services include General Psychiatric Issues, Women's OB/GYN Issues, and Trauma/PTSD. Dr. Kardong has served as a Psychiatric Consultant and Expert Witness for Stanford University Schools of Law and Medicine, the California Medical Board, and private attorneys nationwide.

Areas of Expertise: 

Forensic Psychiatry, General Psychiatry, women's health care, OB-GYN related psychiatric issues, eg postpartum depression, sexual abuse, sexual, physical and psychological trauma, PTSD, adoption. Personal injury. Medical malpractice. Discrimination. Psychological autopsy. Medical case review. Trial consultant.

Women's Health Care Specialist - Psychiatry / OB-GYN Interface:

Pregnancy-Related Psychiatric Problems Psychiatric Medications in Pregnancy and Postpartum Postpartum Depression / Psychosis Infertility Gynecologic Oncology

Menopause Hormonal Issues Childhood Sexual / Other Abuse Adult Consequences of abuse Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sexual Assault

Impaired Professionals:

• Physicians
• Mental Health Providers
• Attorneys
• Executives / Professionals
• Organizations

Consultation Services for Businesses and Organizations:

Standard of Care Hospital and Medical Ethics Healthcare Practices and Records Discrimination Harassment Disabilities	Human Factors Human Resources Alternative Dispute Resolution Psychological Consequences of Workplace Injuries Wrongful Termination Product Liability Executive Coaching

View Dr. Kardong's Consulting Profile.

Gail Fisher, BSN, RN, CNOR, LNC, has over 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry with a primary focus on Perioperative Nursing services. Within this domain, her expertise lies in General, Orthopedic, Trauma, and Cardiac Surgery Procedures.

Ms. Fisher has gained fluency in various nursing surgical specialties, such as Scrub, Circulating, Charge, Cardiac Specialty Coordinator, Informaticist, Educator, and Perioperative Director. Additionally, she spent 5 years as a Quality Improvement Coordinator, conducting retrospective reviews of inpatient medical records and resolving documentation discrepancies for the cardiovascular lab. She has also played a crucial role in large-scale transition and activation projects, facilitating procedural areas and ensuring smooth moves into new healthcare facilities.

For a decade, Ms. Fisher has been dedicated to providing perioperative instruction and expert guidance to over 100 experienced transitioning and new grad nurses. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has made me a valuable asset in the healthcare industry.  She has designed, developed, and implemented a successful surgical technician program. 

Litigation Support - As an expert witness, Ms. Fisher's expertise in AORN standards, guidelines, and workflows is invaluable in providing credible, objective testimony in legal matters related to perioperative practices and procedures. Her extensive knowledge, proficiency, and insider's viewpoint in this domain make her well-equipped to deliver comprehensive support and insights. Additionally, Ms. Fisher's role as a Quality Improvement Coordinator has afforded her the opportunity to develop a high level of proficiency in identifying errors and missing information in patient records

Services:

• Comprehensive medical record review and analysis 
• Expert witness
• Detailed medical chronology, fact summary report with expert opinion for medical legal cases 
• Observation and reporting for defense medical exams 
• Expert witness location, demand letters, merit reviews, and declaration prep 

Skills: Training Course Development · Microsoft PowerPoint · CNOR · Cerner Educator · Cardiac Surgery · Certified Education Master

I am a board-certified emergency medicine physician. I have been called upon to express opinions in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, negligence, standard of care, and causation. I am involved in both plaintiff and defense cases.

My qualifications include: 

• Award-winning emergency physician in active practice with 30 years clinical experience
• Former Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine (Volunteer) at University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
• Current VP of company that staffs 500 emergency departments, overseeing more than 5000 ER providers in risk management and quality assurance issues 
• Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP) 
• Past President of the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians 
• Medical Director of California Highway Patrol 
• Extensive publication and speaking experience in the area of emergency medicine

Garson M. Caruso, MD, MPH, PA, is a board certified Occupational Physician in private consulting practice with extensive clinical and administrative experience in emergency and occupational medicine, including:

• Case Review, Analysis, and Management
• Impairment Determination and Disability Rating
• Medical Direction
• Industrial Illness and Injury Care
• Medical Review Officer functions

Dr. Caruso has performed occupational health services and consulting for organizations including Lockheed Martin, Bechtel Aberdeen, PepsiCo, Dean Foods, The New York Transit Authority, and multiple Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He has very broad and in-depth case management and file review experience involving complex disability and workers’ compensation claims. 

Dr. Caruso is a Fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) and International Academy of Independent Medical Evaluators (IAIME); a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME; 2009-2014); and a Certified Medical Review Officer. He has also held numerous leadership roles in ACOEM, and both published and presented at national, state, and local conferences in his areas of expertise. Dr. Caruso's primary professional interests are worker disability prevention and management, with a particular focus on the psychosocial aspects of occupational medicine and workers compensation, and prevention or minimization of unnecessary work disability. 

Litigation Support - Dr. Caruso's expertise is available to counsel representing both plaintiff and defendant. His services include Independent Medical Evaluations, written reports, depositions, and trial testimony as needed. Dr. Caruso is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Louisiana, and North Carolina. 

Areas of Expertise:

Occupational Medicine Causation Analysis Disability Prevention and Evaluation Workers Compensation Impairment Evaluation and Rating

Fitness for Duty Return to Work Drug Testing Work Capacity Work Life Expectancy

View Dr. Caruso's Consulting Profile.

One of the industry's leading law firm services experts, Michael J. Garibaldi, CPA, ABV, CFF, CGMA, has a strong background providing efficient and affordable solutions to the many complex issues facing the legal profession today.

A Certified Public Accountant licensed by the State of New York, Mr. Garibaldi is Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He is recognized as a Chartered Global Management Accountant by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

Mr. Garibaldi works closely with law firms and other professional service firms, manufacturing, wholesale/retail, medical, technology, restaurant/hospitality, artists and galleries, construction, and real estate clients where he is responsible for providing accounting, tax planning management consulting services, and financial reporting.

Mr. Garibaldi provides valuation and litigation support services, assisting attorneys and their clients with the financial aspects of a case throughout the litigation process, from contemplation of action through expert witness testimony. He brings an in-depth understanding of the business and technical aspects of valuation, finance and accounting that is required in complex litigation and arbitration cases.

Mr. Garibaldi qualifies as an expert in valuation matters in the Supreme Courts of New York, Nassau, Suffolk, Kings, Richmond, Monmouth, Orange, and Westchester Counties, and has been called upon by the courts to serve as a neutral Expert. As an instructor of the AICPA Certificate of Educational Achievement Program in Business Valuation, Mr. Garibaldi teaches his specialty to other professionals.

Michael Garibaldi is a Candidate Member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), Member of the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA), the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the AICPA and the NYSSCPA. He is a past President and former member of the Board of Directors of the NYSSCPA Nassau Chapter, and has held a variety of positions on the Litigation Support Committee of the Nassau County and State Chapters of the NYSSCPA. Mr. Garibaldi has also held a number of positions on other committees and sub-committees within these organizations.

Areas of Expertise:

Auditing Bankruptcy Business Business Law Business Valuation Lost Profits Mergers & Acquisitions Finance

Forensic Accounting Fraud Investigation, Embezzlement Personal Property Valuation Real Estate Valuation Trusts & Estates White Collar Crime Dissolutions Wrongful Death, Termination

View Michael J. Garibaldi's Consulting Profile.

Michael G. Kaplan has nearly 50 years of experience in the areas of Forensic Accounting, Business Valuation, and Litigation Consulting. Mr. Kaplan is a Forensic Certified Public Accountant who is regularly called upon to testify as a qualified expert witness in federal and state courts. He has participated in approximately 300 trials. Mr. Kaplan has also served as a court appointed expert accounting referee.

Mr. Kaplan has served as a university professor for approximately 24 years (including 18 years at the University of Southern California). He created and taught courses for the National Judicial College, American College of Business Court Judges, National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts, and presented sessions for various Bar Associations, various CPA societies, and other professional organizations. His professional affiliations have included local, regional and national CPA/Advisory firms.

Areas of Expertise:

Forensic Accounting Business Valuation Lost Profits Business Interruption Business Damages Employment Damages Matrimonial Litigation

Personal Injury Damages Intellectual Property Damages Professional Standards Professional Malpractice Fraud - Embezzlement - Misappropriation Partner and Shareholder Disputes

Awards and Honors:

• Circle of Light Award (1998) - National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (first recipient of this award presented annually recognizing one's contributions and performance as an instructor; highest award bestowed upon an instructor in NACVA's educational programs for Business Valuation and Financial Forensics experts.) 
• Magna Cum Laude Award - National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (2017) - Recognizes one's contributions to the fields of Business Valuation and Financial Forensics.

Frederick J. Fisher, JD, is the President of Fisher Consulting Group, Inc., a Professional Liability firm. Since his career began, Mr. Fisher focused on one vision: providing financial security to the client. The result was a successful 40 year career in Specialty Lines Insurance.

Mr. Fisher provides Expert Witness services and Litigation Strategies to attorneys representing Plaintiff and Defense. He testifies regularly as an expert witness in cases dealing with:

• Insurance Broker Standards of Care
• Real Estate Broker Standards of Care
• Third Party Administrator Standards (TPA)
• Claims Handling and Bad Faith
• Wholesale Broker Policies with "gotchya's"

Background Experience:

• For almost 20 years, Mr. Fisher was the Founder of E.L.M. Insurance Brokers, a Wholesale & MGA facility specializing in Professional Liability and Specialty Line Risks. In 1995, he formed what is now known as ELM insurance Brokers, a firm that has acted as an MGA and Wholesale Broker of Professional Liability Insurance and Specialty Lines. From nothing, the firm grew rapidly to a $30 Million dollar facility when sold in 2008
• Mr. Fisher began his career on the service side, as an Independent E&O claims adjuster. In 1982, he bought the Company. In only 4 years, the annual billings increased by 400%
• In 1989, Mr. Fisher became a Founding Member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), and was elected to the PLUS Board of Trustees in 1993. After serving in all Officer capacities, he was elected President in 1997. He remains a Special Materials Expert for several RPLU courses and is the Senior Technical Advisor for The Professional Liability Manual, first published by the International Risk Management Institute in 1990

For more information on his Litigation Support Services, Email Frederick Fisher at: fjfisher@fishercg.com

View Frederick Fisher's Consulting Profile.

Molly S. Cobb is an experienced Equine Professional with over 40 years of experience in many aspects of the equine industry and 30 years of teaching experience. Molly has run and managed her own boarding/lesson facility for 26 years. She has developed lesson and camp programs, as well as trained people and horses. Molly is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, a Certified Instructor.

Litigation Support - Ms. Cobb Molly provides expert witness services, case analysis and Equine appraisals to help attorneys, insurance professionals, and legal teams better understand the equine factors involved in a case. Her experience allows her to evaluate questions related to accepted equine practices, horse handling, rider instruction, barn management, program structure, risk awareness, and the practical realities of working with horses. This can be especially valuable in cases involving riding accidents, boarding disputes, training disagreements, lesson program concerns, equine business operations, valuation questions, or standards of care.

At trial, Ms. Cobb can explain equine-related issues in a way that is accurate, organized, and understandable to attorneys, judges, juries, and decision-makers. At trial, her testimony can help clarify complex horse-industry details for those who may not have equine experience. Whether the matter involves an accident, dispute, valuation issue, standard of care question, business disagreement, or facility-related concern, Molly’s goal is to provide thoughtful, professional insight that supports a clearer understanding of the equine factors involved.

Areas of Expertise:

Equine Standard of Care Rider Safety Equine Behavior and Inherent Risk Equine Personal Injury Stable Management

Riding Instructor Liability Equine Equipment Ethical Equine Practice Equine Boarding and Training Equine Sales Equine Appraisals

Dave Bano has 40 years of hands-on experience across all aspects of Property Casualty Insurance Operations. He is a cross-functional and seasoned senior executive who has led Sales, Claims and Underwriting operations. Mr. Bano possesses a deep understanding of P & C customs, practices, standards and the duty of care. As a retired Chief Claims Officer, a Business Unit President/COO, as well as a Regional/State Executive at Nationwide, he has very broad multi-discipline knowledge and experience.

Litigation Support - Mr. Bano managed all aspects, and coverage lines, within Nationwide Claims including their bad faith/extra-contractual litigation. He also testifies relative to Sales and Agency operations, as well as Underwriting practices. He is a true general manager and expert across the P&C spectrum. 

Areas of Expertise:

Insurance Customs / Standards / Practices Insurance Claims / Sales / Underwriting / Agency Property / Casualty Operations Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Coverage Insurance Exclusions Insurance Denials Extracontractual Automotive Insurance Errors and Omissions (E&O)

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Uninsured Motorist (UIM) Class Actions Homeowner Insurance Commercial Insurance Catastrophe / Disaster Flood Insurance Excess Surplus Insurance Insurance Fraud Insurance Investigation

Background Experience - Mr. Bano began his career as an adjuster trainee and worked through every operating level within Claims, eventually becoming Nationwide's first company-wide Chief Claims Officer. As a hands-on leader with strong experience in P/C general management (sales, agency operations, underwriting) as well as claims, he offers current expertise across any aspect of Property & Casualty insurance. 

As Chief Claims Officer, he was responsible for 8000 employees, all claims operations, across all lines of coverage. He partnered closely with his legal teams and held decision-making authority over all claims-related litigation, including extracontractual and bad faith situations. He led Automobile, Homeowners, Commercial, Agribusiness, Excess & Surplus [Scottsdale Insurance], Environmental, Pet & Veterinary, as well as the National Catastrophe group and the Special Investigations anti-fraud teams. He sat on several industry Boards including:  ISO/Verisk, National Insurance Crime Bureau [NICB], Coalition against Insurance Fraud, Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Authority. 

Mr. Bano managed the entire P&L for the state of Michigan, and earlier, across the five-county Philadelphia, PA market. 

Elliot D. Felman, MD, is Board Certified in Family Practice. In practice for more than 32 years. Experienced in both plaintiff and defense review, deposition and testimony for evaluation of medical malpractice. Available for evaluation of Standard of Care for Family Practice, General Practice and Internal Medicine. Clinical Faculty - UCLA School of Medicine.  Expert Reviewer - State Medical Board of California.

Areas of Expertise:

Family Practice General Practice Internal Medicine Hospital Records

Medical Malpractice Medical Records Medical Review Standard of Care

Robert B. Prehn, MD, has been a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist / Head and Neck Surgeon for over 30 years. His practice is in the field of general Otolaryngology, with extensive experience covering the full spectrum of his field. He was a founding partner of a large single specialty clinic in South Central Wisconsin, fostering profound growth in provider coverage as well as creating an extensive network of referrals for what has become one of the largest Otolaryngology practices in Wisconsin. An early adopter of new technology, he and his have leveraged these tools into an efficient and thriving practice which employs over 80 people.

Dr. Prehn has extensive experience in Medical Administration, including serving as Chief of Staff at Aurora Hospital in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He has also served as Chairman of Peer Review for all of the Aurora Hospitals in Wisconsin, adjudicating issues dealing with medical complications, malpractice, and physician behavior..

Litigation Support - Dr. Prehn provides expert testimony to Medical Arbitration Boards in cases of suspected malpractice, and to attorneys for both plaintiff and defendant. His services include IMEs, thorough medical review, deposition, and trial testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise:

Otolaryngology Ear, Nose, and Throat Head and Neck Surgery Otorhinolaryngology Facial Plastic Surgery Pediatric ENT Neurotology Otology

Rhinology Laryngology Chronic Sinusitis Hearing Loss Tinnitus Vertigo Surgical Injury / Medical Malpractice

Dr. Theresa A. Schmidt, DPT, is an expert Orthopedic Physical Therapist with 35 years of clinical expertise and over 10 years of academic experience.  As an Approved Provider of continuing education for NY State Boards of Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy, and for the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Inc., (NCBTMB), she updates clinicians internationally on clinical practice guidelines, standards of care, examination and management of injuries, disease, movement impairments and disability.

Litigation Support - Dr. Schmidt offers expert witness services to attorneys representing plaintiff and defense. She is dedicated to providing the latest evidence-based assessment and interventions to support functional outcomes. Dr. Schmidt offers meticulous, objective review of medical records and documentation.  She is an excellent communicator, engaging presenter, and expert orthopedic physical therapist with clinical, academic, and professional speaking experience.

Areas of Expertise:

Physical Therapy Orthopedic Rehabilitation Ergonomics Massage Massage Therapy Manual Therapy Falls Work-related injury Personal Injury

Exercise / Fitness Injury Physical Therapy Malpractice Chronic Pain Soft Tissue Injury Mobilization Allied Health Physiotherapy Physical Therapy Standard of Care Professional Ethics

Educise Education, Health and Wellness with Dr. Schmidt, DPT

Background Experience - Dr. Schmidt has been in private practice physical therapist for over 30 years. She has presented for American Physical, Occupational and Massage Therapy Associations, NASA Inomedic Health, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt Medical, Wake Forest, private companies and medical centers across the US.

Dr. Schmidt is an approved provider of continuing education by National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Inc, NCBTMB, Inc., and New York State Board of Massage Therapy.  She is also a published author in medical journals and has published her research in MOJ Orthopedics, Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Fascia Research Congress III.

View Dr. Theresa A. Schmidt's Consulting Profile.