
When you are considering taking a medical malpractice claim to court, one of your most important decisions is deciding on an attorney to represent you. Medical malpractice lawsuits are among the most complex to navigate, and you need an attorney who possesses certain skills and levels of expertise on your side to help increase your odds of compensation.
Medical malpractice attorneys are those who can easily navigate advanced medical terminology and scientific theories. You also want an attorney who has a team of scientific experts to consult with when necessary. The following are some additional qualities to look for when you choose an attorney for your medical malpractice lawsuit.
As mentioned, you need an attorney who has experience and knowledge in the area of medical malpractice. Attorneys all have their niche of expertise. Some specialize in criminal defense, while others work primarily in family law. When you choose an attorney for a medical malpractice lawsuit, you want to find a personal injury attorney who has a solid track record in medical malpractice cases.
One thing you should look out for is an attorney who specializes in assisting victims of medical malpractice, as some attorneys specialize in defending physicians and medical professionals in these cases. Always ask to see examples of cases similar to yours when you consult with different attorneys so you can get a general idea of what you can expect.
Although you are hiring an attorney, who is a student of the law, you want an attorney who also has an advanced understanding of medical terminology. Attorneys working primarily in medical malpractice will need to be able to interpret your medical records to fully understand your injury and build a successful case.
A good medical malpractice attorney will also be able to understand where a physician or medical professional went wrong when treating you, resulting in an injury. You should be able to discuss the mistakes made against you regarding any procedures or misdiagnoses to assist in determining an appropriate settlement amount.
Although an attorney can be well trained in various medical terms and procedures, at the end of the day an attorney is not a doctor or medical professional. Because of this, you need an attorney who is able to easily access a variety of medical professionals to serve as witnesses in your case. Many victories hinge on medical expert testimony in court.
A medical witness is a neutral third party who did not initially treat you, but evaluated your records and can easily see what went wrong in your treatment. He or she then testifies as to what should have happened or where blatant errors were made in your case.
A medical witness adds credibility to your case in the eyes of a judge and jury, as they do not have to rely solely on your word, but also on the evaluation of an objective medical professional with experience in your ailments.
One of the biggest obstacles for many people to even take a medical malpractice claim is the fear of the legal fees. When you search for an attorney for your case, look for those willing to work with you on a contingency. This simply means your attorney does not take a fee unless and until you win your case. This is helpful for many people, as it takes away the fear of a legal bill until after the case is over.
If you need assistance with a medical malpractice claim, please contact us at the Law Offices of Janice Maloney .