Expert medical witness testimony of maxillofacial injuries
Orihovac, Z.; Macan, D.
Acta Medica Croatica Casopis Hravatske Akademije Medicinskih Znanosti 62(3): 281-285
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1330-0164 PMID: 18843848 Document Number: 615922
The basic principles of expert medical witness testimony of the maxillofacial region are described. The specific anatomic characteristics of the region are emphasized, especially in view of the fact that face is the most exposed part of the human body. Post-traumatic deformities of the maxillofacial region involve soft tissues of the face and mouth as well as bony structures of the viscerocranium and teeth. Endured physical pain, lessening of life activities, disfigurement and requirement of assistance by third person are separately described as an important part of expert medical witness testimony of the maxillofacial region. The number of lawsuits raised against physicians has significantly increased in the past several years, more often in cases where the patients are dissatisfied with the results of cosmetic surgery, especially when these procedures are performed on the face.