One of the leading causes of death in the U.S. is surgical error.
Medical malpractice is no light issue. While it doesn’t always result in death, it can cause lifelong injuries and complications. If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s probably your instinct to react immediately.
There is a process to addressing malpractice, and it’s best to seek guidance when hiring a lawyer. You’ll want to find someone you can depend on. We know the process can be overwhelming.
Luckily for you, we’re here to help. Make sure to keep reading below when searching for a medical malpractice lawyer.
Gather the Facts
Your first step to winning a case is gathering all needed facts regarding the malpractice. Whether the case is about you or a loved one, don’t skip over any of the details.
Find all documentation you’ve gathered from any clinic visits or hospitalizations. This should include visits you had regarding your initial issue that lead up to the case of malpractice and all visits to the hospital afterward.
Your lawyer will want to know why you sought medical attention in the first place, and then you’ll be able to explain why you’re suing the doctor.
Gather photos of any scars or injuries, including photos of your own and hospital scans. Collect hospital bills, and create a list of the names of doctors you’ve seen for your condition.
Bring Your Own Questions
For an initial consultation, you’ll need to know what to ask your lawyer. Asking questions will help you gain needed information, and it’ll help you decide if you’ve found the best lawyer for your case.
You’ll want to ask them how much experience they have with malpractice cases and how available they’ll be for you. It’s important you find a lawyer who will dedicate sufficient time and attention to your situation.
As you provide your documentation, ask them what else you can do to prepare your case. They may advise you to hire other professionals to help with the case.
To gain a better sense of the timeline, you can also ask how long they think it’ll take to reach a settlement. If they’re unable to reach a settlement, guarantee the lawyer is prepared to file a lawsuit.
Medical malpractice law is a tricky world to navigate, but with the right lawyer, you’ll feel confident and secure. If something feels off about your lawyer, trust your gut.
Understand How They Can Help You
A medical malpractice lawyer is helpful for a number of reasons.
You’ll notice a good lawyer is a professional at communicating with insurance companies. We all know major companies can be difficult to get answers from, but your lawyer will know just what to do.
By them taking care of the insurance company, you’ll have more time to focus on your own responsibilities. It’ll be a relief.
Your lawyer will also work to get you the best settlement possible. Many cases end in settlements, and it’s important you don’t lose out on any possible money.
When dealing with the claims, turn to your lawyer for help. They’ll help speed up the claim process, and they’ll be able to give you a great estimated outcome for your claim.
See Who Else Is on the Case
In large law offices, it’s more likely than not that your lawyer won’t be the only one checking out your case. Ask to learn more about any other attorneys that’ll be involved.
This may seem odd to you but it helps even out caseloads. It will also save you money in the end. If you’re not comfortable with other people working on the case, you’ll end up paying more for one person to work on it.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about a lawyer’s caseload before agreeing to work with them. Some lawyers may be so busy that they won’t give your case much effort.
Understand Your Budget
Many people find themselves in a bind because they don’t budget money for the legal fees. Depending on how long it takes to piece your case together and negotiate with insurance companies, you could find yourself investing a lot of money into a lawyer.
For many people, this financial investment is well worth it. The investment helps bring a sense of peace back to the family, and it may bring even greater financial reward.
Be transparent with any potential lawyers about your financial situation. Ask them about any fees associated with your case. Settle this from the beginning.
If you’re having trouble budgeting, reach out to family members to see if they’re able to help with any costs. Making small adjustments in your daily life will also help you save money.
Keep up Communication
As you work with your lawyer, make sure you keep an open line of communication. Ask your lawyer the best way to reach them, and see if they have preferred hours of the day for you to make a call.
Keep a running list of questions that pop up as you work with your lawyer. They won’t always be available to help, but it’s important you take time to periodically check-in with them.
If at any point you remember a significant detail or run into a problem, inform your lawyer. You’d be surprised at what random details help win a settlement.
Steps to Hiring a Lawyer in the Case of Medical Malpractice
Hiring a lawyer in the case of medical malpractice is a daunting process. We are here to help make each step a bit easier with the above guide. Make sure to give it a thorough read.
Before your initial consultation, gather all documentation you’ll need for the case. Come prepared with a list of questions, and ask about any fees associated with the legal services.
If you’re looking for a lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii to settle a medical malpractice case, check out the rest of our site. Contact us today if you have any questions.
