Frequently Asked Questions - Our Experts Service

I’m new to medical malpractice. Can you help me get started?

Absolutely.  We can discuss your case with you over the phone to ensure you understand the case issues, and give you some idea of the types of experts you need. We can go the next step and do a full Case Merit – where you’ll get much more detail. We can even help you with the Statement of Claim/Defence to ensure you capture the essence of the issues, and name all potential defendants.

Why should I use your service? I can do this myself!

You probably can do this by yourself – but is it time well spent?  We have a roster of current experts that other lawyers have used (and recommended), and we support the expert through the process potentially saving you time and money. Focus your time on what really makes financial sense.

And are you getting the quality of expert you need?  We've found (and mentored) hundreds of experts, for hundreds of lawyers.  We work consistently with many of the top litigators across Canada.  They continue to use us – because it is time well saved and money well spent.

How much does this cost?

The cost is dependent on the type of expert required.

• For doctors we have a fixed location fee of $1250, and an administration fee of 25% for the support we provide to the expert (and yourself) as the case proceeds.  The hourly rate for the physician is set by them – and can vary significantly (between $300 - $1200 per hour)
• For nurses and other allied healthcare professionals, there is no location fee – just a straight hourly fee, again varying on the type of specialty required and the experience of the expert.  Fees generally range from $200 to $300 per hour.
• For larger scale work – such as bulk medical record review (e.g. class action), the cost varies depending on the volume of work and the expertise of the expert.  We try to use cheaper resources for administrative work where possible to keep your costs contained and have IT and project management resources available.  The cost for Legal Nurse Consultants is from $80 - $150 per hour.

What if I’m not satisfied with the expert provided?

This does occur – rarely, but has happened. We have received requests for particular specialties, where it becomes apparent that a different specialty is required. 

If you don't get the opinion you wanted, that is unfortunate but likely that you are getting the opinion you need.

For the second expert on the same case, we do charge half price.

I have a case – but not sure of the type of expert I need. Can you help?

Absolutely.  Our Expert Locators are all well experienced nurses with a thorough knowledge of many types of specialties. Give us a call – we can generally determine your needs with a discussion over the phone.

I need an opinion supportive of my side. Can you guarantee I’ll get one from your expert?

Connect Experts does not ‘shop’ for specific opinions. We have not, and will not.  Our experts are unbiased and objective.  They have the skills/experience/education to analyze adverse events and provide an objective opinion on actual care vs the standard of care.  We strongly support our experts and their integrity as healthcare professionals.

OK – I’m convinced. What now?

Give us a brief description via our online “Find me an Expert” form, call at 855-278-9273, or email us at .

Do you do other types of litigation besides medical malpractice?

Certainly.  We’ve done many personal injury cases, class action (pharma, institutional, medical device, etc.) criminal, OH&S, Long Term Care, government inquiries, corrections, and other types of litigation.

When is it best to engage Connect Experts?

We certainly prefer that you get us engaged early.  We can help ensure your case has merit, and have the time to locate the best expert(s) for your case.  Good experts tend to be very busy with their clinical work – the earlier we can engage them the more likely is that they will have time to spend the time required on your case.

I have a rush case – I need an expert opinion NOW!

We do understand your desire to limit disbursements – but at the same time, finding a suitable expert at the last second – one that has the credentials and experience required, no conflicts, and has the time to even do a verbal opinion - can be a significant challenge.

We do rush locations.  There is an additional charge for this service.  There may be an increased hourly rate for the expert too.

I can’t afford to pay you until after settlement. Is that acceptable?

No.  Connect Expert does not work on contingency, or take delayed payment for our services. Payment is due on completion of the expert’s work.  Interim payments may be required on cases that are lengthy.

Can I tell my client to call Connect Experts directly?

Connect Experts provides services to lawyers and not to the public.

This type of litigation is not something we recommend that individuals try to pursue without the guidance of a well experienced litigator.

A lawyer will understand the challenges that are faced, and the 'burden of proof' that is required to be successful.

We are here for lawyers requring an objective and unbiased opinion on the care provided.

 

What if am not sure what kind of medical expert my client needs?

Talk to our expert location specialists.  They're experienced RNs who have helped lawyers find experts for hundreds of cases.  They are well versed in all aspects of healthcare and can help you narrow your search to the perfect specialty and specialist. We can leverage our network of hundreds of specialists to ensure your report gets the expertise your client deserves.

What kind of litigation has Connect Experts handled in the past?

 

Connect Experts has provided opinion on more than 1,500 cases in Canada, the U.S.and the Caribbean including numerous class actions, government inquiries and countless other cases. We've worked with lawyers from Australia and the U.K. as well.