Medical malpractice cases hinge on complex medical issues that juries and judges often struggle to understand, so nearly all jurisdictions require plaintiffs to consult or hire a qualified medical expert early in the process and some states even require a sworn affidavit of merit from the expert confirming that the defendant likely breached the standard of care. Choosing the right expert witness can clarify technical details, bolster a case’s credibility and help plaintiffs overcome procedural hurdles.