OLD CHIPMONK
ArboristSite Guru
This case dated back to July of 2002 . At that time I was an ISA Certified Arborist . The client's neighbor cut & removed 3 trees which shaded her place of business ! I might add, she had not given her written or verbal consent. This act was committed while she was away , vacationing. I was sworn in today as an " Expert Witness " after a brief period of questioning by both attorney's & the Judge ! Originally this was to be a Jury Trial & at the last minute switched to a Bench Trial ( Judge only one hearing the case & rendering his decision ). During testimony we discussed CoR, RCM , CoC & agreed to use an Appraised Tree Value Worksheet, as approved by the Southern Chapter-ISA. Tempers flared & the Defendants Attorney, got a little hostile towards me," I love it ". After about 30 min. of testimony, there were no further questions; I was finished & excused. The Plaintiff's Attorney approached me, gave me his Business Card & said " send me a Bill for your time " ! Gentlemen " what is a fair market value for 3.5 hours of my time ( excluding 1 hour travel time ). I would appreciate your input or past expierience as " Expert Witness ". Thank You, Old Chip