RESTAURANT EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

As a leading restaurant expert witness, Howard Cannon offers unparalleled expertise in cases involving slip, trip, and fall incidents in restaurants.

Howard Cannon and his firm provide unbiased expert industry opinions, analyses, consultation, expertise, and content. Our services include, but are not limited to written reports, affidavits, testimony, and oral opinions. We have also written books, industry standards, course curriculums, workbooks and tests, as well as provide safety training classes of various kinds. We provide services to clients of all types and sizes in markets across the Country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Expert Witness Services

1. What is a restaurant expert witness?
   A restaurant expert witness is a professional with extensive knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry. They assist in legal cases by offering expertise in operations, safety, food service practices, and industry standards.
2. What types of cases would require a restaurant expert witness?
   They are often involved in cases related to food safety violations, slip-and-fall injuries, employee disputes, franchise disagreements, breach of contract, wrongful termination, foodborne illnesses, and other disputes within the restaurant industry.
3.  What qualifications should a restaurant expert witness have?
   A qualified restaurant expert witness typically has years of experience in the restaurant industry, knowledge of safety and health regulations, training in food service management, and experience with compliance requirements. They may also have prior experience acting as an expert witness in legal cases.
4. How can a restaurant expert witness assist in legal proceedings?
   They can provide expert analysis, create reports, and offer testimony in court. Their work may also include evaluating industry practices, analyzing the restaurant’s operational procedures, or explaining how regulatory standards were or were not followed.
5. What is the process for hiring a restaurant expert witness?
   The process usually involves discussing the details of your case, reviewing the expert’s qualifications, and identifying whether their expertise aligns with your case needs. If selected, the expert will analyze evidence, prepare their findings, and may testify in court if necessary.
6. How do restaurant expert witnesses handle evidence?
   They typically analyze business documents, incident reports, surveillance footage, employee training records, menus, or health inspection reports to determine if the restaurant met industry standards.
7. How long does the process usually take?
   The length of time depends on the complexity of the case. Most experts require weeks or months to review evidence, prepare reports, and coordinate depositions or court appearance schedules.
8. What is the cost of hiring a restaurant expert witness?
   The costs of document review, report preparation, and court testimony vary depending on the complexity of the case and the expert’s experience. Experts may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a combination of both.
9. Can a restaurant expert witness provide guidance outside of court proceedings?
   Yes, they can help during pre-litigation phases by offering insights into whether a case has merit. They may also assist with mediation or settlement discussions by providing an impartial industry perspective.
10. Are restaurant expert witnesses available for plaintiff and defendant cases?
    Yes, restaurant expert witnesses can represent plaintiffs or defendants. Their role is to provide unbiased, factual information based on their expertise in the industry.
11. What should I prepare before consulting a restaurant expert witness?
    Gathering relevant documents, such as contracts, policies, employee training manuals, incident reports, inspection records, or any other materials related to the legal claim, is helpful. Providing these upfront ensures the expert has all the necessary information.
12. Can a restaurant expert witness help with cases involving franchises?
    Absolutely. They can assist in disputes between franchisors and franchisees, including cases involving territory rights, contract breaches, or operational standards.
13. Do restaurant expert witnesses consult on operational best practices?
    Yes, many also provide consultations on proper procedures, staff training, and health and safety regulations compliance. While this is separate from litigation work, some experts offer these services as part of their broader expertise.
14. How do I know if I need a restaurant expert witness?
    If your case involves technical or industry-specific issues that the court or lawyers don’t easily understand, it may benefit from the insights of an expert witness. They clarify complex topics and validate claims with their professional knowledge.