Frequently Asked Questions  
  General Questions
What does Idex stand for?
The name "IDEX" is meant to reflect the research of and storage of information on expert witnesses as in "ID"ing and inDEXing experts.

Where does Idex get its information?
From a variety of sources, the largest coming from Idex Network clients. From requests for searches alone, more than 30,000 records a year are added to the database. In addition, public records from around the country supplement this very dynamic database.

How long does a search take?
Two to three business days, generally, from the time we receive the request. If the discovery process has not allowed you ample time to make a request we will always try to help you meet your deadlines. However, our normal turnaround time is usually fast enough!

Is there a surcharge for a rush request?
Yes. If our normal 2-3 day turnaround is not fast enough we will always try to accommodate your special situation. If you need research results in less than 2 business days, a $20 rush fee will be added per expert searched.

What is the annual renewal fee?
Under the "A" Fee Plan it is $185. This fee is assessed annually after the first year fee of $375. This plan allows all individuals of your firm or company at all locations to avail themselves of the service. The "B" Fee Plan does not have an annual fee, although some search service are billed at a higher rate.

Questions about our services
What is a Testimonial History Report?
This report details cases in which an individual has been involved as an expert witness. In some cases the expert may have given deposition or trial testimony while in others the expert was named but testimony has not yet been taken. The report may also include a listing of documents, such as depositions, trial transcripts and C.V.s which can be purchased directly from Idex.

Am I assessed a surcharge for longer Testimonial History Reports?
No. Idex assesses a flat fee for a successful testimonial history search. If we can provide at least one case in which an expert has been involved, we consider that to be a successful search and we assess the fee. We assess the same fee whether we have one case or a thousand cases.

Why does Idex require information before a request can be processed?
The Idex network is predicated upon the mutual sharing of valuable information. Idex begins the sharing process by asking for case details in order to initiate a search. These details are then added to the database ensuring that up to date information will be available. While we realize that completing an Idex request form can take a few minutes, the overall benefit to the network cannot be overemphasized.

How do I know if copies of depositions, trial transcripts and other documents are available from Idex?
When Idex has copies of documents, they are listed on the first page of the Testimonial History Report under the heading "Other Documents Available." Here on idex.com, any documents in our possession will be noted just beneath the expert's profile information.

What are the charges for copies of deposition and trial transcripts?
We charge $40 plus 20 cents per page for hard copy, $40 when downloaded from idex.com.

What is a State License Discipline Search?
Depending on the specialty, experts may be licensed by a professional board, such as a physician licensed by a state medical board. These boards may take disciplinary action against a licensed professional for a variety of reasons. We will inform you if disciplinary action has or has not been taken against the expert by the appropriate licensing board. If discipline is found, we also send a copy of any public documents pertaining to the action.

What databases do you search for an Articles By Search?
We search approximately 40 to 80 databases for articles authored by the expert. Many of these databases only reference the author's initial(s) and last name. Consequently, we will search for articles which include either the author's full name or the author's last name and initial(s). If references are found, we send those abstracts.

What do you search for in an Articles Naming Search?
We search a worldwide database of newspaper and magazine articles to learn if the individual's name has appeared. This search may yield innocuous information about the person in question but can also reveal onerous information such as a criminal background or other kinds of information detrimental to the person's reputation.

What if an Article Search yields a large number of results?
If more than 25 abstracts are found, our clients may have us narrow the search using some case-specific terms or other key words. Supplying detailed case issues on your request can help us narrow your search, if necessary, and eliminate articles by other authors with the same initials as the expert involved in your case.

What is included in a Similar Case Search?
The details of other cases with elements similar to yours. Examples would be the requester asks us to find any other cases involving damage to the medial nerve of the hand, or cases involving ACME Manufacturing radial arm saw injuries. These searches are case facts specific and NOT expert specific.

Can Idex provide expert referrals?
The answer is a qualified "yes." We refer to this search as "Experts you can use." We attempt to locate names of experts who may be interested in helping you develop your case. These names come from our database or from other sources we have previously utilized successfully. It is important to note that Idex does not endorse these experts as to their competency or willingness to help.

What is included in a Scientific and Medical Literature Search?
Idex can search a wide variety of databases for articles pertaining to a specific subject matter. If you need to learn more about a specific procedure or product, Idex will search for and provide a list of abstracts. Again, supplying Idex with detailed information about your case and what you hope to find will help us focus and search for the most relevant articles.

Questions Regarding Idex.com
Is a confirmation generated whenever I make an on-line request for services?
Yes. Idex should always confirm your request. If you do not receive a confirmation, it means we never received your request or your e-mail address was not provided. If this happens, you should contact us by phone at 1-800-521-5596.

Should I fax a copy of my request after submitting it by e-mail?
No. There is no need for this, and doing so could increase your chance of being inadvertently double charged.

How can we participate in the free Electronic Archive Program?
Simply notify us that your firm would like to participate. The minimum requirements are that all documents be ASCII files and that they be accompanied by an index which reflects the expert's name, specialty, city and state, the case name, the date of the deposition and a one or two sentence description of the case issues.

How do I retrieve transcripts that my firm has archived with IDEX?
Login and from the Client Area select the "Firm's Archive" button where you can search by an expert's name or view all the documents archived by your firm. Additionally when ordering other searches on a particular expert, any documents archived by your firm will be highlighted. All documents are available to all members of your firm at no charge.

How does IDEX "Procure" Transcripts?
For a fee of $15 per case attempt, Idex will try to procure a transcript on your behalf by calling law firms listed on the Testimonial History report. This process takes 2-3 weeks and may or may not yield the transcripts you wish. When successful, Idex charges it's standard transcript fee of $40 per document.