December 19, 2024
When you or your loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, finding an attorney to help you pursue legal action can be stressful and confusing.
To make things easier, we’ve put together this guide to help you determine which type of medical malpractice lawyer you need, how to find medical malpractice lawyers, and what to do if you cannot find one that takes your type of case in your state.
How to choose the right medical malpractice attorney?
Finding yourself in need of a medical malpractice attorney can be an overwhelming experience.
Many things should be considered before selecting an attorney, including their previous track record, reputation, and credentials.
Most importantly, prospective clients want to know that they will have someone on their side who truly understands what they are going through.
Here are some questions every potential client should ask when choosing a medical malpractice lawyer
Questions to ask an attorney before hiring them
Do they have experience working with medical professionals?
How much will it cost me?
What kind of cases have they won/lost in my state?
Do they specialize in medical malpractice law, personal injury law, family law, criminal defense, etc.?
Do they take on contingency fee cases?
What kind of reputation does their firm have among other attorneys and judges in my area?
Can I speak with any past clients about their experience working with them? If so, how was it?
How much will it cost?
When looking for a medical malpractice lawyer in Jacksonville, know that each law firm will have different rates. Because all cases are different, some require more time and research than others.
You will want to ask questions like: What exactly does my case entail? How many doctors are involved? Do I need witnesses? What past experiences have they had with cases similar to mine?
The answers can help you determine how much it may cost to hire a medical malpractice attorney in your area.
But, what’s most important is getting help from someone who has been in similar situations before and who knows how to get results. Your main goal should be finding someone who can get justice on your behalf.
How long does it take?
If it’s been more than three years since your medical care, then start looking for a medical malpractice lawyer.
The American Association for Justice (AAJ) recommends that patients who believe they were harmed by negligent medical treatment get a second opinion from another doctor and file their complaint with their state attorney general within two years.
However, if there are extenuating circumstances, like cognitive issues, language barriers, or serious injury, patients may have up to six years in which to file suit. Regardless of how long you have to file suit against an individual doctor—three or six years—there are time limits on filing against hospitals and other organizations.
As per AAJ recommendations, these can be anywhere from two to ten years after an incident.
Do I have a case?
In almost every state, attorneys are allowed to advertise.
So, if you’re looking for an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice law and has experience with cases similar to yours, start by doing some research online. Check out Martino Mccabe Law Firm and see what types of cases we’ve taken on in the past.
Since no two medical errors are exactly alike, your attorney must understand your specific situation before taking on your case.
Also, find out how much they charge per hour and what type of payment plans they offer (most will accept a percentage of any settlement or award).