Medical malpractice is among the leading causes of death in hospitals. When you go to a hospital and consult a doctor, you place your trust in them and believe that they will do their best to attend to your problem. However, this is not always the case. Doctors, just like any other profession, make mistakes. These can often be very serious. As a patient, you reserve the right to demand compensation and accountability. This is where a legal expert comes in to help you deal with the difficult process.
A medical malpractice lawyer deals with a case where a doctor has harmed a patient. However, in order for the process to be successful, it is essential that you select a reliable service provider who is an expert in the medical malpractice field. Here are 9 questions to ask your medical practice lawyer before deciding to hire them.
Experience
It is vital that you only go for an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to make sure that you are likely to win the case. Find someone who is an expert in medical cases in a specific area, like Marrone Law Firm in Philadelphia.
Fee Structure
Ask your potential lawyer whether their fee is hourly or if they operate on a contingency basis. You should know how much it would cost to retain a medical malpractice lawyer, and then decide whether your case is worth hiring one.
Access to Medical Experts Witnesses
The best medical lawyers have medical experts on board, so make sure to inquire whether this is the case, and who are their go-to doctors. This is because you might often need another doctor to testify for you, against the doctor you are accusing of medical malpractice.
Resolution Strategies
Medical malpractice lawyers operate in different ways. Some prefer to pressurize the other party to get a settlement, while others go for trials in court. Ask your lawyer which way they would want to go, and decide if this is what you want to do. Are you looking for the doctor who harmed you to be accountable, or would you like them to pay damages?
Duration
Inquire how long the case is likely to take. This will help you determine the total costs of the process and aid in deciding whether you can spare time for a long-term case.
Personal Details
If a medical malpractice case goes to trial, you may have to reveal personal medical information about yourself. Ask your legal expert if this is likely to be the case and, if yes, what should you expect to reveal.
Witnesses
It is best to be prepared in the scenario that the case does go to court. Ask the potential medical malpractice lawyer if you should arrange witnesses and who they should be, so you can speak to family and friends who might have been involved.
Likelihood of Success
Not all malpractice cases that are filed are valid, and a good lawyer will tell you right away that your claim may be considered invalid. If the legal expert you are speaking to has not discussed the severity of your case, be sure to ask them what the realistic likelihood of you winning the case is.
Point of Contact
If you are working with the firm, inquire about the direct point of contact you will have, and request consistent communication with one person and not varying legal experts.
Filing a medical malpractice case can be stressful. However, the right lawyer will make sure you get your rights in the minimum amount of time possible.