An average of 85,000 medical malpractice cases are reported every year, in the US alone. What’s shocking, as many as 21% of the adults in the US have at least experienced or reported a medical error at some point in their life. The good news is that there is a legal avenue for medical malpractice victims, especially if they can find and retain a seasoned lawyer to present facts and argue their case.
Choosing the right medical malpractice attorney is vital as it may significantly affect your chances of winning the case as well as the amount of money received in a settlement.
In your search for an attorney, you will come across law firms advertising that they have recovered millions of dollars from previous verdicts or settlements. While this may be true, you should understand that every case is different. And especially in the medical industry where lawsuits are complex and the defense attorneys go at it hammer and tongs, choosing the best lawyer to represent you cannot be over-emphasized.
The first thing to watch out for when picking your ideal medical malpractice attorney is their expertise.
Your attorney should have an extensive understanding of the medical industry, particularly in your area of need. For instance, if you are filing a claim for a surgery that went south out of negligence, the attorney should be knowledgeable about the created medical standards in such surgical cases. That means, prioritizing lawyers that have experience dealing with similar cases.
The attorney should also have a website that includes information about their level of education and experience. Watch out for news on medical malpractice cases, a list of cases they have won, as well as the amount of settlement awarded to the plaintiffs.
What about their reviews?
A simple search on Google can give you the information you need to decide whether an attorney is your perfect fit. If you can find any information on the internet, ask the attorney for referrals, especially those with similar cases. Call them and get their opinion. If an attorney cannot provide you with past clients, they may not have the experience they claim to have.
Finding lawyers who are experienced in certain subspecialties would be vital in helping to pursue a medical mistake case where a patient has been harmed.
Finally, medical legal cases can cause emotional distress for the victims. It is important for attorneys to be sympathetic and responsive while remaining professional in handling each case.
FAQs
What a Medical Malpractice Lawyer can do for You?
A good medical malpractice lawyer could help to present your case in the most appropriate way to ensure you receive a favorable outcome. This means that a lawyer should take the time to understand your case in detail, so as to provide the best professional legal advice on how to proceed
They will also handle all communication with the defense team and accelerate the proceedings to ensure you get your settlement sooner rather than later.
What are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are compensatory awards that help the plaintiff cover hospital bills, loss of potential earnings and rehabilitation. These may be significant for certain cases.
What are Non-economic Damages?
These are compensations that cover pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment due to medical error.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is when a doctor or any other medical professional acts negligently and injures their patient or causes death.
Damages may be awarded based on the severity of the injuries suffered by the patient, and any associated economic losses resulting from the medical error.
