https://www.wfns.org/filebin/WFNS%20Statement%20of%20Ethics%20in%20NS%20Mar%202008.pdf
Statements of Ethics in Neurosurgery
Participation as an Expert Witness in Legal Proceedings
95. Neurosurgeons should protect patient confidentiality during involvement in legal proceedings.
96. We should cooperate with lawyers to provide justice to those who may have suffered through medical accidents.
97. When serving as expert witnesses, neurosurgeons should maintain a fair and unbiased position based on the facts of the case at hand. We should always consider and present the diversity of medical opinions, as supported by acceptable practice, within the standards of current scientific knowledge, rather than championing a single or universal approach to care.
98. It is appropriate for a neurosurgeon who serves as an expert witness to accept reasonable fees for his or her time in preparing a deposition and testifying. However, a neurosurgeon should not accept any payment that is contingent on the outcome of a legal proceeding, since this may create a conflict of interest or lead to bias during testimony.
