Terms of Service
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern access to and use of the website and services provided by Sentara Expert Witness ("Sentara," "we," "us," or "our"). By using our website, submitting a request for an expert, or applying to join our expert network, you ("Client," "Expert," or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms.
01Acceptance of Terms
By accessing our website, submitting an intake or application form, or otherwise engaging with Sentara's services, you agree to these Terms in full. If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use our website or services. These Terms apply to attorneys, clients, and pro se individuals who request an expert ("Clients") and to individuals who apply to join or are part of the Sentara expert network ("Experts").
02Description of Services
Sentara identifies, screens, and introduces testifying and consulting expert witnesses to attorneys and clients in Tennessee. Sentara's role is limited to sourcing, credential verification, and facilitating the introduction and engagement between Client and Expert. Sentara is not a law firm, does not practice law, and is not a party to the underlying legal matter for which an Expert is engaged.
03Eligibility
Our services are intended for use by licensed attorneys, law firms, and their clients, as well as pro se individuals involved in legal matters within Tennessee, and by qualified professionals seeking to be considered for inclusion in our expert network. By using our services, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age and have the authority to enter into these Terms on behalf of yourself or the entity you represent.
04Engagement Scope & Exclusivity
Every expert introduction made by Sentara is made in connection with a specific case, matter, or engagement (the "Engagement Scope"). The following terms apply to any Expert introduced by Sentara within that Engagement Scope:
- Client agrees that all scheduling, contracting, communication logistics, and payment relating to the Engagement Scope will be conducted through Sentara, and will not separately contract with, retain, or compensate the Expert outside of Sentara for services substantially related to that same Engagement Scope, without Sentara's prior written consent.
- Expert agrees not to accept direct engagement, compensation, or continued work from a Client introduced by Sentara, for the same or a substantially related Engagement Scope, outside of Sentara's involvement, without Sentara's prior written consent.
- This provision remains in effect for the duration of the underlying matter and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the conclusion of Sentara's involvement in that matter, whichever is later.
- This provision does not restrict a Client's ability to retain a different expert for an unrelated matter, or an Expert's ability to accept engagements from other clients unrelated to a Sentara-facilitated introduction.
This provision exists to preserve the integrity of the referral relationship that makes Sentara's vetting and matching process possible for everyone in our network. A Client or Expert who circumvents this provision may be subject to a placement fee equal to Sentara's standard fee for the Engagement Scope in question, in addition to any other remedies available to Sentara.
05Fees & Payment
Sentara's fees, whether charged to Client, Expert, or both depending on the engagement, will be disclosed prior to the commencement of services. Payment terms will be set out in the applicable engagement communication, invoice, or agreement. Late payment may result in suspension of services and accrual of interest or fees as permitted by law.
06No Refunds
All fees paid to Sentara are non-refundable. This includes, without limitation, fees for expert sourcing, credential vetting, introduction, and any other services rendered by Sentara, regardless of the outcome of the underlying case, engagement, or matter, and regardless of whether the Expert introduced is ultimately retained, deposed, or called to testify.
07Expert Independent Status
Experts included in the Sentara network are independent professionals and are not employees, partners, or agents of Sentara. Sentara does not control the professional opinions, methodology, testimony, or work product of any Expert, and is not responsible for the substance of any Expert's professional services. Client is solely responsible for evaluating an Expert's suitability for a given matter.
08No Legal Advice
Sentara is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal opinions of any kind. Nothing on our website or in our communications should be construed as legal advice. Use of Sentara's services does not create an attorney-client relationship between Sentara and any Client or Expert.
09Confidentiality
Case information shared with Sentara for the purpose of identifying an appropriate Expert will be treated as confidential and used only for that purpose, consistent with our Privacy Policy. Clients and Experts are responsible for entering into any additional confidentiality or engagement agreements directly between themselves as appropriate for a given matter.
10Disclaimer of Warranties
Our website and services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Sentara does not warrant or guarantee the outcome of any legal matter, the admissibility of any Expert's testimony, or the accuracy of any information an Expert provides.
11Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sentara and its officers, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, arising out of or related to your use of our website or services, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Sentara's total liability arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services shall not exceed the amount of fees paid by you to Sentara in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
12Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sentara and its officers, employees, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of our services, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.
13Termination
Sentara may suspend or terminate your access to our website or services at any time, with or without cause or notice, including for violation of these Terms. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination — including but not limited to Sections 4 (Engagement Scope & Exclusivity), 6 (No Refunds), 10 (Disclaimer of Warranties), 11 (Limitation of Liability), and 12 (Indemnification) — will survive any termination of these Terms.
14Governing Law & Disputes
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Tennessee, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.
15Changes to These Terms
Sentara may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
16General Provisions
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. Sentara's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any applicable engagement agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Sentara regarding your use of our services.
17Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:
Sentara Expert Witness
Phone: 615-200-7064
Email: contact@sentaraexpertwitness.com