Thursday, April 24, 2014

A Medical Expert Witness Helps Establish Strong Grounds for a Lawsuit

The testimony of a medical expert witness is crucial in most medical malpractice cases because non-doctors who are dealing with the case may not fully understand the scientific principles involved. A skilled toxicology expert witness, for example, can explain how certain chemicals can cause death or paralysis to a person. The judge’s verdict can greatly shift after listening to the testimony of a reputable expert witness.

There have been many instances when a case was immediately decided (or worse, dismissed) due to lack of medical expert witnesses from either the prosecution or the defense.

http://www.environmentaldiseases.com/blog/2014/04/02/a-medical-expert-witness-helps-establish-strong-grounds-for-a-lawsuit/

Monday, April 21, 2014

Forensic Toxicology Complexity Suggests More Care in Hiring Witnesses

The article explains that producing evidence through forensic science is not that simple. Lack of sufficient experience in handling different types of cases may yield fallible findings and lead to wrongful convictions (or acquittals).

The hired forensic toxicologist who will examine the evidence must have extensive knowledge and experience in handling urine, blood, and oral samples. Experience proves important, especially in cases that involve examination of bacteria and maggots from decomposing matter. Inexperienced toxicologists may not be comfortable handling such samples and their health might be at risk.

http://www.environmentaldiseases.com/blog/2014/04/01/forensic-toxicology-complexity-suggests-more-care-in-hiring-witnesses/

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Solving Crimes with Forensic Toxicology

Poisoning has become one of the most preferred methods of murder throughout much of history. It is believed that any natural or synthetic substance is poisonous with the right dosage. They can even sometimes mimic the symptoms of common diseases, fooling physicians into thinking that the patient had died of natural causes. 

This situation indicates a crime known as foul play. In crime solving, foul play means that a crime is disguised as another situation; in this case, natural death. It is primarily meant to fool authorities, so they could look in directions the perpetrator intended. 

Forensic toxicology is here to save the day. 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

The Dangers of Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos is a common substance found in many buildings, as it has been a common building material since the 50s. Mainly it is used for insulation and fire protection. However, recent studies have shown that while it doesn’t affect the body immediately, it might have some long term repercussions that could even prove fatal, which is why many forensic toxicologists often look into it as a possible cause of poisoning.