Typical hourly rates, deposition costs, trial fees, and retainer ranges for neurology expert witnesses in 2026.
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate (Case Review) | $450 – $750/hr | Record review, research, report preparation, counsel calls |
| Deposition Rate | $500 – $850/hr | Often billed portal-to-portal; some experts use flat half-day rates |
| Trial Testimony Rate | $600 – $950/hr | Frequently billed as flat daily rate; standby time may apply |
| Initial Retainer | $6,000 – $18,000 | Billed against hours worked; unused portion typically refunded |
Neurological expert witnesses testify in traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, seizure disorder, and peripheral nerve damage cases. Board-certified neurologists with academic appointments and active clinical practices command the highest fees — often $600–$750 per hour — while community neurologists with less research experience typically fall in the $450–$550 range.
TBI cases are particularly complex and often require extensive record review spanning years of neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and treatment notes. Experts in this subspecialty tend to charge higher retainers ($10,000–$18,000) to reflect the anticipated workload. Stroke and malpractice cases involving failure to diagnose or treat are another major practice area.
Neurologists retained for plaintiff-side cases may also need to coordinate with neuropsychologists who perform cognitive testing, adding a separate expert cost. Defense-side experts are often retained by insurance carriers who have long-standing relationships with specific firms.
Fee structures in neurology tend to be more variable than other medical specialties. Some experts charge a flat case review fee, while others charge strictly by the hour. Confirm billing methodology before signing an engagement letter.
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