Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer: 10 Tips to Keep in Mind

Medical malpractice is an unfortunate reality in today’s healthcare industry. Mistakes in medical care or diagnosis result in thousands of unnecessary injuries and deaths each year. If you’ve fallen victim to an act of medical malpractice, you have rights. Before suing a doctor, it’s important to choose a qualified lawyer.

The right lawyer can make or break your case. So, do your homework and choose an experienced and dedicated lawyer for the job.

Here are 10 tips for hiring the best medical malpractice lawyer to represent you.

1. Look for Experience

What kind of lawyer do I need for medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice cases are complex and require a lawyer with experience in this area of the law. You want a lawyer who has taken on and won cases similar to yours.

Choosing the right lawyer is critical, particularly if your claim is highly complex. Before making a decision, be sure to take the time to research a lawyer’s background, court experience, and reputation.

Although your lawyer may handle other types of cases, be sure they have years of experience in this area of law.

2. Medical Expertise

If your case goes to trial, jurors will decide the outcome. Most jurors do not have medical expertise, so you need a lawyer who has the medical knowledge to present your claim and educate the jurors as well.

Legal knowledge is key, but your lawyer should also be familiar with medical terms, procedures, diagnoses, and duty of care. Before making a decision, ask your lawyer what they know about your medical issue.

Make sure they’ve handled similar malpractice cases and have a history of success. An experienced medical malpractice attorney is a valuable asset in the courtroom and can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

3. Do Your Research

Don’t choose a lawyer based solely on fees or advertising. You should do your research before making this important decision.

Ask for referrals from people you trust and do some online research. Take the time to read reviews and see what previous clients have to say.

If something seems wrong or there are multiple bad reviews, find another lawyer for the job. Ask questions to learn what types of cases they’ve handled and their success rates with malpractice cases.

You want someone you can trust. You should feel confident in their knowledge of the law and their ability to win your case.

4. The Right Resources

Malpractice suits often go to trial. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer must produce expert witnesses to support your case. These witnesses help educate the jury and bring credibility to your claim.

They will explain what happened to you and how the doctor’s negligence has affected your life. A good malpractice lawyer has connections with investigators and expert witnesses and can call on the right experts to testify in your case.

If you choose a law firm that employs multiple attorneys, they’re likely to have the right connections needed for winning your case. Having expert testimony to back up your claims is crucial and may help you achieve a favorable result.

5. Committed to Your Case

Your malpractice case could end up in court. If it does, not just any lawyer will do. Some personal injury lawyers are good at reaching settlements but have little experience in court.

The road to a malpractice decision can be a long one. And these cases are often technical and complex. It’s critical to have a lawyer who’s vested in representing you until the end.

The right malpractice lawyer will fight for your rights and the best possible result in your case.

7. Choose an Expert Negotiator

Not all malpractice cases end up in the courtroom. Sometimes a malpractice lawyer will negotiate a favorable settlement right away.

Typically, there’s a lot of back and forth in malpractice cases. And this can go on for weeks or months.

It takes a skilled negotiator to reach a favorable settlement for a malpractice victim. Your lawyer should have the experience to negotiate settlement offers and the perseverance to fight for fair compensation.

8. Open Communication

You may be dealing with your lawyer for quite a while. So, it’s important to choose someone you can communicate with.

They should be responsive and ready to listen to the details of your case. You want to build a rapport with your lawyer, so you need someone you can talk to and trust.

Make sure you know how to contact your lawyer when you have a question or concern. Ask how and when they will update you on the details of your case.

Your malpractice lawyer has your future in their hands. Make sure you choose someone who will listen to you and fight for everything you deserve.

9. Know Who Will Handle Your Case

Before hiring a malpractice lawyer, make sure you know who will be handling your case. Ask if you’ll deal with more than one lawyer throughout the process.

More than one lawyer may work on your case. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as everyone involved understands the circumstances of the case.

You want to avoid a situation where your case is bounced around from lawyer to lawyer each week. Make sure you know who will oversee your case and who you should contact with questions and concerns.

10. Understand the Fee Structure

You should have a clear understanding of what your lawyer charges for their services. Before signing anything, you should agree on the fees.

In most cases, medical malpractice lawyers collect their fees after you receive a settlement or win your case. Unfortunately, not all lawyers have your best interests at heart.

Make sure you do your research and ask questions about the legal fees you’ll have to pay. Contingency fees vary widely, so be sure to have a clear picture of the fee structure.

Choosing the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Choosing to pursue a medical malpractice claim is never an easy decision. We understand what you’re going through and the importance of seeking justice in your case.

Finding the right medical malpractice lawyer can make all the difference for you and your family. We’re here to help.

We’d love to talk with you about your case and the best next steps for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.