Dr. Emily Ward is a Forensic Pathologist who specializes in Death Investigation. She provides consultation in cases where the cause of death needs review or clarification. She reviews medical records, autopsy reports and photographs, crime scene investigation reports and photographs, and other materials pertinent to death investigation. She has practiced as a medical examiner for 21 years and has personally performed about 5000 autopsies. She has testified as an expert witness in criminal cases and civil litigation and trials, in both federal and circuit courts.
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: American Board of Pathology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
American Board of Pathology, Forensic Pathology
M.D., Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
License to practice medicine, State of Alabama
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: National Association of Medical Examiners
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
US and Candian Academy of Pathology
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: “Child Death Investigation” presented at the 21st National Symposium on Child Abuse,
National Children’s Advocacy Center, Huntsville, Alabama, March 9, 2005.
“Sudden Unexpected Death - Case Studies in Forensic Pathology” presented at the
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine,
March 12, 2000, September 5, 1995, March 30, 1995, April 21, 1994, and March 31, 1994.
“Medicolegal Investigation of Death” as part of “Forensic Dentistry: Fire, Trauma, and
Abuse”, presented at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Office of
Continuing Medical Education and the School of Dentistry, December 11, 1999.
“Medicolegal Investigation of Death” presented at Grand Rounds, University of Mississippi
Medical Center, Department of Pathology, September 25, 1995, and March 14, 1994.
“Medicolegal Investigation of Death” presented at the Jackson Police Department Training
Academy, June 1, 1995, and March 16, 1994.
“Investigation of Childhood Deaths” presented at the annual meeting of the International
Association of Investigation, Mississippi Division, Meridian, Mississippi, May 5, 1995.
“Death Scene Investigation” presented at the semi-annual meetings of the Mississippi Coroners
Association, January 21, 1995, July 22, 1994, January 15, 1994, and July 23, 1993.
“Medicolegal Investigation of Death” presented at the annual meetings of the Mississippi
Public Defenders Association, Jackson, Mississippi, May 20, 1994, and November 5, 1993.
“Fire Death Investigation” presented at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Fire Investigators
Association, Natchez, Mississippi, October 4, 1994.
“Forensic Pathology: Contributions to Homicide Investigation” presented at the annual meeting
of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association, Biloxi, Mississippi, May 11, 1994.
“The Relationship of the Body to the Crime Scene” presented at the annual meeting of the
International Association of Identification, Mississippi Division, April 7, 1994.
“The Role of the Medical Examiner in Death Investigation” presented at the annual meeting
of the Mississippi Sheriffs Association, Meridian, Mississippi, December 8, 1993.
“Medicolegal Investigation of Death” presented at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Prosecutors
Association, Olive Branch, Mississippi, November 4, 1993.
“Investigation of Sex Related Homicides” presented at the Criminal Sexuality Seminar
sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mobile, Alabama, November 8, 1992.
COURSE COORDINATOR AND DIRECTOR:
“Medicolegal Investigation of Death” sponsored by the University of Mississippi Medical Center,
Office of Continuing Health Education, October 12, 1996.
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Approximately 250 times
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Medical Malpractice, plantiff and defendant, review for insurance companies reguarding accidental deaths, Criminal cases, both for the prosecution and the defendant, Wrongful death related to medication, wrongful death related to occupational accidents, worker compensation, nursing home deaths, and probate questions regarding time of deaths.
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 30 %
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 40%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Approximately 300.
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: March 25, 2009.
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: Several hundred times.
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: Several hundred times in court. Never before an arbitrator.
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 25 years.
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Consulting, writing reports, reviewing records, reports, and photographs, appearing in court at trial.
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $300.00 per hour
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $300.00 per hour
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $500.00 per hour, with a three hour minimum per deposition.
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $2400 per diem, plus travel expenses.
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel expenses.
