Speech-Language Pathologist since 1971
I have been doing work as an expert witness (forensic speech-language pathology) in medical-legal cases since 1985. I have been retained by plaintiff and defense attorneys in AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, MO, NM, NV, OH, TX, VA, WA, WI, and WV to provide expert opinions after reviewing sometimes thousands of pages of documents (paramedic reports, police records, emergency department records, medical records, rehabilitation reports, educational records, and others), and evaluating plaintiffs’ speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. I have been deposed several times and have testified in court a few times. I have been on the witness stand for up to 2 ½ hours at a time being examined and cross examined. I have attended several conferences, workshops, and trainings provided by experienced attorneys and judges on how to improve my skills as an expert witness.
Because of my 35 years as a university professor teaching courses in anatomy and physiology, neurology and neuropathology, motor speech disorders (apraxia and dysarthria), voice disorders, and cleft lip and palate, detailed information is readily available to me for depositions and court trials. Also, university teaching taught me to maintain my poise while answering challenging questions. My work in acute, subacute, and convalescent hospitals, and my on-going private practice have allowed me to maintain my clinical expertise with a variety of types of clients and patients.
I have written articles on court testifying as an expert witness for speech-language pathology professional literature and have presented seminars on the topic at national and international conferences.