Otolaryngology Expert Witness

An Otolaryngology expert witness is an Otolaryngologist (Head & Neck) surgeon testifying on disease, cancer, and trauma of the head and neck. Otolaryngology is a surgical specialty dealing with disease of the head, neck, ears, nose, and throat. Otolaryngology is also known by the simpler name “ENT” (Ears, Nose, Throat), and by the more complex moniker of “Otorhinolaryngology.” Otolaryngologists typically complete a 5-year residency leading to eligibility for Board Certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Some ENT specialists also complete additional fellowship training in Neurotology (inner ear disease involving balance and hearing), Pediatric Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Microvascular and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery, or Sleep Medicine. Otolaryngologists treat a range of common conditions including nosebleeds (epistaxis), sinus infections, and tonsillitis, though they also treat some of the most challenging conditions in all of surgery, including invasive tumors of the head and neck.

An Otolaryngology expert witness may be required in a range of scenarios in medical malpractice litigation. Allegations typically involve standard of care (e.g. failure to diagnose) as well as harm and causation related to substandard treatment by other practitioners.