A 2019 study found that 90% of Americans trust their doctors. In an era where institutional trust has declined significantly, the medical profession seems to be an outlier.
However, sometimes people discover they misplaced this trust. Just one year before this study, CNBC reported that the third-leading cause of death in the US was medical error.
Medical malpractice is a substantial threat to many people. This malpractice can include the following errors:
- Misdiagnosis
- Medication errors
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
- Nursing home negligence
Fortunately, there’s a way to receive financial compensation for a medical malpractice case. You can hire a medical malpractice attorney to make your case to the court and receive restitution.
However, hiring a lawyer isn’t as easy as it sounds. How can you find the best lawyer to represent you in your medical malpractice lawsuit?
There are seven characteristics to look for when hiring an attorney. We’ll discuss these traits in this guide, so let’s jump right in!
1. Applicable Experience in Medical Malpractice
The first thing to look for when hiring an attorney is applicable experience. Has your lawyer ever taken medical malpractice lawsuits before? Is this a subject they specialize in?
There are a few ways to determine this. First, you can always ask the lawyer about their experience. If their answer satisfies you, you can proceed.
Or, maybe you’d prefer to dig a little deeper. In that case, you can also research the law firm’s credentials. You can find this information through your State Bar website.
2. Positive Reviews
Another way to discover your lawyer’s track record is to search for past client feedback. You can do this in several ways.
First, check your law firm’s website for client testimonials. Many people leave in-depth comments that detail how their lawyer handled their cases. If you see several glowing stories, that could be a sign to proceed with this firm.
However, it’s best not to stop at these testimonials. After all, a law firm’s website could curate its content to make a favorable impression.
Instead, consider exploring the Internet for broader online feedback. Search for online reviews that discuss your potential law firm’s performance.
Read through people’s reviews to determine if this firm seems reliable. If so, move on to the next trait.
3. Free Consultation
The next step is to contact the lawyer to relate the details of your case. To that end, you’ll need to schedule a consultation.
Most lawyers offer a free consultation for you to meet with them and tell your story. When you do so, remember to be completely honest about your case. This lawyer can only represent you well if you’re truthful about events.
Most firms offer free consultations for their potential clients. This way, it doesn’t cost you anything to shop around and see which lawyers you like best. If the lawyer charges for their consultation, it’s often best to look for another.
4. Affordability
Most people know the saying, “you get what you pay for.” But, that doesn’t mean you want to break the bank when hiring an attorney.
A medical malpractice lawsuit is often a drawn-out affair. The medical insurance company you sue can hold out longer than the average person. So, look for a lawyer with reasonable rates that you can afford.
5. Humility
It may sound strange, but humility is critical in a medical malpractice lawyer. Fighting a medical insurance company can be a lengthy and tenuous process. Your legal opponent has more resources and funding than you.
Most people don’t receive the sum they expect, even when they win big. So, when we say you need a humble lawyer, what we really mean is a realistic one.
A trustworthy lawyer will help you understand your situation and options. They shouldn’t make false promises by saying you have a “slam-dunk” case.
It’s best to resume your search if a lawyer makes grandiose claims. An arrogant lawyer rarely convinces the jury to take your side.
6. Patience and Compassion
We’ve already discussed that a medical malpractice lawsuit is a lengthy and strenuous process. As such, you need a lawyer who can go the distance.
Your ideal representative should keep their head cool when frustrations arise. This trait is especially critical in the courtroom. After all, what will the jury think if your lawyer loses their temper in the middle of proceedings?
Besides patience, your attorney should also display compassion. Do they care when you relate the details of your case? Does it bother them that your physician caused you to suffer harm?
Or, does this lawyer hear your case and think about how it could benefit them? Do they imagine their name in headlines as they take your opponent to task? Once you determine this, you can move on to the next trait.
7. Storyteller
In the summer of 2022, millions of Americans listened weekly to the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard court case. People became addicted to the legal proceedings and the gossip that spilled out of the courtroom.
One critical source of this popularity was the lawyers for each side. These professionals not only presented facts and figures. Instead, they told stories about their clients and opponents in a way that made people care.
Your lawyer should do the same for you. They should present your story compellingly to get jurors to empathize with you. So, search for a lawyer who can tell your case in the best way.
Check Out Our Medical Malpractice Attorney Services
These seven traits can help you find your best medical malpractice attorney. If you live in Honolulu, we humbly suggest checking out our services!
Cummings Law is a preeminent practice that has helped our clients secure millions in lawsuits. Our founder, Brian Cummings, has a reputation for excellent negotiation skills and agile storytelling in the courtroom.
We also charge no attorneys’ fees or court fees until your case is complete. We understand the toll this process can take, and we don’t want to add extra pressure.
If these traits appeal to you, don’t hesitate! Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
