Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you believe you have a solid case, hiring a medical malpractice lawyer to represent you is your next step. There are many factors to consider when hiring a medical malpractice lawyer, but what follows are some of the most important considerations.
How to Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
In order to choose the right attorney to represent you in your medical malpractice claim, you should be prepared to ask the following questions:
- How long have you practiced law in general and medical malpractice in particular?
- Where are you licensed to practice law?
- Do you belong to any professional organizations or hold offices in community organizations?
- What have been the results in your previous medical malpractice cases?
- How much can I expect to pay for your representation?
- How does payment work? Must I pay a retainer? And what costs am I responsible for (photocopying, travel, etc.)?
- How often can I expect to hear from you? Who will answer my emails and phone calls? Is there someone on duty to handle emergency phone calls?
- Do you have associates, paralegals, or other assistants who will help handle my case?
Aside from these questions, you should also rely heavily on your gut feeling when researching medical malpractice lawyers who may eventually represent you. It is extremely important that your case is represented well the first time it goes through the court system; you may not get another chance. So you must be very careful in selecting the lawyer who is going to work hard for you and get the result you want.
If you’re not sure where to even begin looking for medical malpractice lawyers, an excellent resource are those in your own circle of friends and/or community; if they have used the lawyer’s services, you can use that information. Also, ask around among other lawyers or those in the legal profession you might be familiar with for their recommendations.
Also be sure to use your consultation to take a look around the office and get a feel for whether things are handled professionally and effectively; also don’t be afraid to ask for some past or current clients you may speak to regarding the lawyer’s services.