Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury

Board-Certified Pediatric Neurologist

Brian E. Woodruff, MD

Expert neurologic case review and testimony in complex pediatric injury matters. As a practicing physician and academic faculty member, I provide independent, evidence-based opinions guided by the medical record and clinical science.

20+
Years Practice
200+
Depositions
25+
Trials
Dr. Brian E. Woodruff, MD
Brian E. Woodruff
Pediatric Neurologist

Working with plaintiff and defense attorneys across the United States

Objective review of the medical evidence

Attorneys advocate for their clients. An expert’s role is to provide truthful, objective analysis and clearly explain the medical evidence. That principle guides every case I accept, for plaintiff and defense counsel alike.

Active clinician

I care for children with neurologic conditions regularly. My opinions are grounded in current clinical practice, medical literature, and the specific facts of each case.

An educator's approach

As an academic physician, I teach medical students and residents. That same teaching mindset is essential to expert witness work. Whether I’m reviewing medical records, writing a report, or testifying in court, my goal is the same: to make the medicine understandable.

Clear to a jury

I translate complex pediatric neurology into clear, medically accurate testimony, giving the court and jury the information needed to evaluate the evidence on its merits.

Portrait of Brian E. Woodruff, MD, a board-certified pediatric neurologist.
Brian E. Woodruff, MDBoard-Certified Pediatric Neurologist

How I review cases

Profile

I am a board-certified pediatric neurologist in active clinical practice. I hold Diplomate status from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with Special Qualification in Child Neurology.

For more than 20 years, I have cared for children with complex neurologic conditions. For the past 15 years, I have also reviewed cases and provided testimony as a medical expert, retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel. I remain a practicing clinician and academic faculty member. Case review is one part of my professional work, not the whole of it.

  • Board-certified pediatric neurologist
  • Retained as an expert witness in both state and federal courts
  • Assistant Professor at Central Michigan University College of Medicine and University of Illinois College of Medicine
About Dr. Woodruff

Training and credentials

  • Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with Special Qualification in Child Neurology

  • Pediatric Neurology Fellowship, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2001 to 2004

  • Pediatric Residency, University of Wisconsin, 1999 to 2001

  • Doctor of Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 1999, Alpha Omega Alpha

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Michigan, 1995

  • Current academic appointment: Central Michigan University College of Medicine and University of Illinois College of Medicine

Pediatric Neurology Malpractice and Injury

Areas of Expertise

I review and offer opinions on complex pediatric neurologic conditions, including:

  1. Aneurysm
  2. Ataxia disorders
  3. Autism
  4. Bell's palsy
  5. Birth asphyxia
  6. Birth injury
  7. Birth trauma
  8. Brachial plexus injury
  9. Cerebral hemorrhage
  10. Cerebral palsy
  11. Closed head injury
  12. Concussion
  13. Convulsions
  14. Developmental delay
  15. Encephalitis
  16. Encephalopathy
  17. Epilepsy
  18. Erb's palsy
  19. Gait disorder
  20. Headache
  21. Head injury
  22. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
  23. Increased intracranial pressure
  24. Intracranial hemorrhage
  25. Meningitis
  26. Migraine
  27. Nerve injury
  28. Neurological injury
  29. Other child neurology disorders and injuries
  30. Perinatal asphyxia
  31. Periventricular leukomalacia
  32. Pervasive developmental disorders
  33. Post-traumatic convulsions
  34. Seizures
  35. Spinal cord injury
  36. Static encephalopathy
  37. Stroke
  38. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
  39. Subdural hemorrhage
  40. TIA
  41. Tic
  42. Tonsillar herniation
  43. Tourette's syndrome
  44. Transient ischemic attack
  45. Traumatic brain injury
Evidence-Based Opinions

Objective medical review explained clearly

Medical Expertise

I provide thorough, impartial, and well-reasoned opinions on cases involving brain injury, developmental disability, seizure disorders, and other complex pediatric neurologic conditions.

My reports are detailed, evidence-based, and written to withstand scrutiny. I take full ownership of the neurologic elements of each case and provide opinions that are clear, well-reasoned, and effectively communicated to legal decision-makers.

  • Thorough record review and analysis
  • Detailed, court-ready written reports
  • Impartial, evidence-based opinions

Review and testimony services

Expert Witness Services

I provide record review, assessment of causation and prognosis, identification of future medical needs, and written reports. I take matters for both plaintiff and defense counsel.

My services include:

  • Complete review of the medical record
  • Independent assessment of diagnosis, causation, and prognosis
  • Identification of likely future medical needs
  • Written expert reports
  • Deposition and trial testimony
Reviewing records · Reports · Testimony

Expert Witness Playbook

Podcast

Together with Chris Woodruff, I host the Expert Witness Playbook, a podcast featuring candid conversations with physicians, attorneys, and other professionals involved in expert witness work.

The podcast offers a direct look at how I approach expert work: with honesty, clarity, and a focus on the medical evidence.

Topics include:

  • Reviewing medical records thoroughly
  • Evaluating standards of care
  • Communicating complex medicine clearly
  • Preparing for deposition and trial
  • Building a credible expert witness practice
Listen here
Brian Woodruff, podcast host

Brian Woodruff

Host

Chris Woodruff, podcast host

Chris Woodruff

Host

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

I provide expert opinions in cases involving pediatric neurological conditions, including birth injuries, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, seizures/epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders, and complications of prematurity.

Yes. I have extensive experience working on both sides of litigation and provide objective, evidence-based opinions regardless of referral source.

I offer case review, expert consultations, written reports, independent medical examinations (IMEs), deposition testimony, and trial testimony.

I am a board-certified pediatric neurologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. I have been involved in 200+ depositions, participated in 25 trials, and served as an expert witness for over 15 years.

Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the case and the volume of records, but I typically complete initial reviews within 2-3 weeks. Expedited reviews can be arranged when needed.

Yes. I perform IMEs in appropriate cases, with arrangements made based on geographic location and the specific needs of the case.

I charge hourly for case review, report preparation, and testimony. A fee schedule is available upon request.

Yes. I frequently assist attorneys during early case evaluation to determine whether a claim involving pediatric neurology issues is supported by medical facts.

Records can be submitted digitally via secure file transfer, encrypted email, or other HIPAA-compliant methods. I also accept hard copies if preferred.

Yes. I am available to testify at deposition or trial as needed, and I have extensive experience providing expert testimony in both state and federal courts.

No. I provide objective, medically grounded opinions regardless of the party that retains me. I will decline to support a case if the facts do not align with the claimed injury or alleged breach in standard of care.

No. I do not review or provide expert opinions in criminal matters.