Medical malpractice is, unfortunately, a reality in today’s medical industry. A study from John Hopkins Medicine suggests that medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 250,000 people annually.
From medical negligence to errors and accidents, medical malpractice can leave everyone involved feeling frustrated and confused. If you or a family member has been affected by medical malpractice, you may not know where to begin a potential case.
So where do you begin if you think you have a potential case for medical malpractice? If you or a loved one have fallen victim to medical malpractice, you have rights and can seek out legal help.
The right medical malpractice attorney can make or break your case. So before issuing any lawsuits, it’s important to consider your options for a medical malpractice attorney.
Tips for Choosing the Right Attorney
Do Your Research
Yes, money is a major factor in determining who you can go to for a medical malpractice case. However, the most important lawyer might not always be the best option. Go beyond the legal fees and internet ads and into how potential attorneys can best assist you.
Ask for referrals, and do some online research through reputable resources. See what some of their previous clients have to say, especially those who had cases similar to yours. Learn to ask the right questions, like how they handled medical malpractice cases and what the success rate has been for them.
Experience
If you had a plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other problem in your home, would you call an inexperienced professional? Similarly, would you want an inexperienced optician, dentist, or cosmetologist for your next appointment?
Because of the complexity of any legal case, let alone medical malpractice, finding an experienced attorney is crucial. Do your research, and make time to look for an attorney that has experience in medical malpractice cases and has been successful in winning cases. Research their background, court experience, and reputation among the legal community.
While an experienced attorney can wear many hats regarding the type of cases they take, make sure that you choose an attorney with several years of experience, specifically in medical malpractice.
Medical Knowledge
While some cases do not go to trial, others do and will be decided on by a jury. Jurors likely will not have much medical expertise, meaning that you will need as much backup as possible to win your case.
Finding an attorney that is both knowledgeable and persuasive is essential. In addition, they need the medical knowledge necessary to educate a jury on the case, your claim, and medical law. This knowledge can include medical procedures, medical terminology, care procedures, and more.
Does the attorney you are looking into know any specifics about the type of medical malpractice claim you’re making? If they know about the medical issue in your claim and have experience with it, they are your best bet for going into a trial.
Solid Negotiation Skills
Medical malpractice cases can last from weeks to months. To avoid going to trial takes skilled negotiation and persuasion. Some of the best attorneys are those that can negotiate before a case even has a chance to go to trial.
Fair settlement deals require persistence from your attorney. They should have experience negotiating fair settlements, preferably in medical malpractice cases.
Favorable settlements are possible in a medical malpractice case, but it may take some time. This means you also need to choose an attorney that will be fully committed to your case for the duration.
Knowledge of State Laws and Limitations
Each state holds its own set of laws when it comes to any legal circumstance, including medical malpractice cases. Choosing an attorney who knows your state’s medical malpractice laws is crucial to winning your case.
For example, in New York, there is a statute of limitations when it comes to medical malpractice lawsuits. The statute of limitation in New York is two years and six months from the time of injury.
Knowing that your attorney is knowledgeable and experienced in all areas of medical malpractice can help to reduce some of the anxiety behind the medical malpractice claim.
Trust Your Medical Malpractice Case to Attorney Steve Newman
Licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in both New York and New Jersey, Attorney Steve Newman has represented clients in all 50 states and is prepared to represent you in winning your case.
Practicing law in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, construction litigation, and more, Steve Newman utilizes an extensive network of board-certified physicians to analyze whether medical malpractice occurred.
Contact the Law Offices of Steve Newman today for an attorney committed to you and your claim.