Why We Withdrew from Our First Forensics Case

摘要

Work in the field of forensic human factors and biomechanics can be extremely difficult,especially for new professionals working on their first case. As such, it is not uncommonfor new experts to take any case that they are retained on, regardless of the feasibility ofthe requests made of them. It is important, however, to maintain scientific and intellectualintegrity on such cases, not only to establish a positive professional reputation but to ensurethat future work in the field remains feasible. This paper addresses three central factors forwithdrawal considerations (case facts, attorney-expert communications, and interprofessionalinteractions) that are illustrated using an example case in which a bridgecollapse resulted in personal injury. The experts chose to withdraw from the case when theclient attorney was unable to provide crucial data and materials that were promised at timeof retention.