Expert Witness

An expert witness can play a very important role in the field of dispute resolution, whether the dispute be in the form of litigation, arbitration or even mediation.

An expert witness can play a very important role in the field of dispute resolution, whether the dispute be in the form of litigation, arbitration or even mediation.

Essentially, the expert witness fills an important gap in evidence that may assist the court or arbitrator in arriving at its decision.

Expert evidence is specifically most important in the field of insurance and international trade.

A court or arbitrator may want to know about custom, usage and practice in the industry with regard to specific areas of insurance and trade. Such custom and practice is not going to be available from any written sets of rules but clarity can be provided by an expert drawing on his knowledge and experience of the industry in question.

The practice of insurance in general and, in particular, certain classes of insurance, such as marine insurance, is strongly influenced by custom and practice.

Alan draws on close to 45 years insurance knowledge and experience as an underwriter, claims adjuster and insurance auditor, having worked in the UK , Continental and North American markets, in order to assist courts and tribunals in gaining an understanding of industry practices.

Of course, certainly in the UK, an expert’s primary duty is to the court.