Need a Medical Malpractice Attorney? A Brief Guide

Did you know that there are 20,000 cases of medical malpractice filed across the United States each year? Medical malpractice is when a medical professional does not competently perform their medical duties. While it is easier to find a lawyer to help you with other personal injury cases, such as car accidents, getting a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can be slightly harder. Here is a brief guide to help you identify a competent medical malpractice attorney.

1. Get Recommendations from a Trusted Lawyer

When you’re looking for a medical malpractice attorney, starting with another lawyer’s recommendation is often fruitful. Relying on a trusted counsel can help you identify a reputable lawyer. You can rest easier knowing that a medical malpractice attorney was chosen by another industry professional.

In the event you don’t have your own lawyer to rely on, you can always ask any of your friends or family for their lawyer’s advice. While it might seem a little unorthodox to meet with a lawyer you don’t know, many lawyers are typically happy to offer advice like this when it’s needed.

2. Check Their Credentials and Reputation

Once you have a couple of recommendations for reputable attorneys, you should research their credentials and read reviews to get a better idea of their reputation with other clients. Start your assessment by getting in touch with your state and local bar associations.

When an attorney wants to be classified as a medical malpractice attorney, they must prove their experience in that specialization to the bar associations. Thus, you will be able to vet their qualifications and see if the credentials are up to date.

When it comes to experience, you must work with an attorney who knows the ins and outs of medical malpractice to help you get justice for the injury you’ve suffered. Remember that the attorney does not need to exclusively cover medical malpractice cases. However, the majority of their casework should be with personal injury cases and matters revolving around this practice. That way, you can be sure that they have plenty of experience in this line of work.

You can also check to see the number of medical malpractice cases the attorney has handled. This can help you determine the depth of their field knowledge. In relation to this, you should also pay attention to how long they have been handling medical malpractice cases. This is typically a good indicator of their level of experience.

While you are assessing the lawyer’s caseload and track record, you may be tempted to look at the number of cases they’ve won. Keep in mind that a large number of these cases end up with a defense verdict. Therefore, it is not a red flag to find that the attorney may not have won many cases. You should, however, be wary of a practicing medical malpractice attorney who has never won a case.

3. Determine If Your Case Qualifies for Medical Malpractice

Getting justice for the injury you sustained does not end once you find a medical malpractice attorney. It has just begun. The next step is determining if your case is a valid medical malpractice suit. Your attorney can help you decide which type of personal injury case you have by going over your file with a fine-tooth comb. Keep in mind that if the situation that led to your medical injury occurred more than two years ago, you’ll be unable to enter a medical malpractice suit, even if you just found out about it.

Get the Right Kind of Legal Assistance

Medical malpractice is a common problem across the nation. Due to the specialized nature of medical malpractice, it is harder to get the legal expertise you need compared to other areas of personal injury. To identify the best lawyer for you look at their qualifications and on-the-job expertise. When you’re ready, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at the Rossman Law Group. Our team of personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical malpractice case.