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.
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