Choosing a medical malpractice lawyer can be tough. There are many factors to consider, including the attorney’s background and experience in medical malpractice cases, the attorney’s fee structure, whether or not they take contingency cases, where their office is located geographically, etc. In this post, we will provide you with 3 questions that will help you find the best legal representation for your case.
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1. What is your background and experience with medical malpractice cases?
You need an attorney who has expertise in the particular area of law that pertains to your case. Just because someone advertises they are a medical malpractice lawyer does not mean that they only handle these types of cases all day every day. It may be wise to find out what percentage of their business comes from medical malpractice claims or if this is something they do as one part of their practice. If you have suffered harm due to negligent care, you should be working with an attorney who specializes in this field.
You deserve someone who knows how to deal with the complexities of practicing medicine, health care rules, and regulations, insurance companies, etc… You will likely pay more for a lawyer that specializes in this area of law but you will more likely have a successful claim by working with someone who has experience and knowledge of the intricacies surrounding negligence cases.
2. What is your past experience?
Most attorneys are prohibited from listing their results on their websites, social media pages, etc… In order to find out what type of success an attorney may have had with other clients similar to you, it may be worth asking them for a few references from clients who had been involved in cases within your same jurisdiction. This can be a great way to actually speak with former clients about their experiences dealing with the company, how the process went and if they feel as though they were fairly represented. You can also ask if any former clients would be willing to speak with you regarding your potential case.
3. How are fees handled?
When considering which attorney to choose, it is important that you feel comfortable with their fee structure. Different lawyers handle different cases in different ways, so it may be helpful for you to discuss the matter thoroughly prior to committing. For instance, some attorneys may offer you an initial consultation either free of charge or at a very reduced rate/free if they agree to take on your case. This can help give them more information on your case and give you more information on how they approach medical malpractice claims so that together during this meeting you can determine if it will be beneficial for both parties involved within the specific jurisdiction for this claim. Some law firms may work on a contingency basis, which means that if they do not win your case or reach a financial settlement they will not receive compensation for their work.
If you are considering this type of arrangement it is important to know what percentage they will take from any awards received and they should be willing to put all of the percentages in writing. It is not uncommon for attorneys who practice on a contingency basis to take up to 40% of any award so be sure you understand and agree with their fees before hiring them.
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