If you have been injured as a result of healthcare provider's carelessness, you need a medical malpractice lawyer.Someone may be able to help you get justice for a loved one who has passed away because of substandard care.You need a lawyer with a track record of success.There are many resources that can help you narrow the field and make a good choice.
Step 1: Ask for someone to refer you.
Ask for a referral if you already have a lawyer helping you with a different type of case.If a family member or friend has recently pursued a medical malpractice case, it's a good idea to find out if they were happy with the lawyer.This may be a good place to start.
Step 2: Use lawyers.com.
Many websites can help you find a lawyer.Lawyers.com is run by a company that has provided attorney ratings for decades.You can search for attorneys and check their ratings on the website.Go to the main page of lawyers.com first.To find the term medical malpractice, use the right arrow in the top search box.State in the box beneath the top one when you type in your city.If you live in a small town and don't get many listings, enter the largest city near you, followed by your state's name.You should find at least one law firm listed.It is a good idea to favor firms or listings that have positive client reviews and positive peer reviews.The most sought after or "almost perfect" score is a "5".They rate the lawyer or law firm.Ratings look at knowledge, experience, judgment and other professional qualities.The lawyer's satisfaction with his clients is measured by client ratings.Peer review ratings are used to determine whether a lawyer is respected by other lawyers.Both are helpful.If the number is not already displayed, click on the view phone number icon.Next to each law firm's name you want to call, write the number down on a piece of paper.
Step 3: You can check other legal websites.
If you didn't find what you were looking for by searching lawyers.com, you may want to check out other websites.Lawyer directories and a lot of information about the law can be found on these sites.The attorney ratings provided by lawyers.com can't be offered by either of these.They will usually give you the names of the medical malpractice lawyers who are near you.Try to find an attorney who is close to you.It may be necessary for you to visit it frequently during your case.
Step 4: Use a search engine.
None of the websites above contain the information you need if you live outside the USA or Canada.You will need to use an ordinary search engine to locate attorneys.You can begin the process by typing in your country's name.Add a plus sign and the term medical malpractice attorney to the quotation marks.You can look at individual attorneys' websites to find one that is qualified to represent you.
Step 5: Contact the bar association in your county.
You can call your county's bar association if you prefer to use the phone.They can refer you to lawyers who handle malpractice suits.You can find the number in the phone book or online.You can ask to speak to the local free lawyer referral service in your city.
Step 6: Contact your state bar association
If you can't reach your local bar association, you may need to do this.Tell them what case you need help with.They should be able to connect you with your local bar association.They may be able to give you a list of attorneys who practice medical malpractice.
Step 7: The state bar association has a website where you can look up your potential options.
Attorneys' behavior is regulated by the bar.The state bar website has a list of possible lawyers.Take a look at any attorneys you are considering.You should check to see if they have ever been reprimanded by the bar.Check to see if any of them have had their licenses temporarily suspended.It's a good idea to choose another lawyer if you find signs of past troubles.
Step 8: Take a look at the website.
You should be able to figure out how many people work at the legal firm.
Step 9: You should make some notes.
Before calling any attorneys, you should know the basics of your case.You need to know the exact date of your injury, the type of damages you have suffered, and the name of the treating physician.The name of the hospital or clinic where your injury took place is likely to be asked by the attorney.
Step 10: You can make an appointment.
If you're interested in hiring an attorney, call the office.Ask when you can interview the lawyer.The attorney may prefer to conduct the interview over the phone.
Step 11: Pick out a list of questions.
Before your appointment, you'll want to come up with a list of things to ask the attorney, which you will write down and bring with you.What percentage of the attorney's cases involve medical malpractice issues?Find out how long he or she has been representing clients.If the firm has staff members who are qualified to read and understand medical records, ask.You'll want to ask about this because some attorneys only represent clients with specific types of injuries.Ask the attorney how many cases he or she has handled in the past.Ask what range of settlements or verdicts he has obtained in cases like yours.When you get a general estimate, be prepared to hear that all cases are quite different.Your lawyer does not want you to have false hopes about the value of your case.The value of your case is not known until s/he has fully investigated it.Ask how long such cases take.It can take several years for these types of cases.Find out if the person you are talking to is an attorney or not.Do you know if the attorney will give you regular updates?If the firm will represent you on a fee basis, ask.The law firm will not charge you unless they win your case.Expenses related to your case will be subtracted from any settlement or verdict if this firm wins your lawsuit.They will subtract their attorney fees.Few people can afford to fund this type of case.You should be wary of an attorney who will take your case on an hourly basis because they probably don't have faith in you.Do you know if they have malpractice insurance?Do you know if the attorney has published any legal journal articles on your case?Ask if he or she has taught any State Bar classes to other attorneys.It is great if the attorney has done either of these, although many just spend all of their time representing their clients.Ask if this lawyer is a member of the American Association of Trial Lawyers.This shows that the person is very committed to this type of work.How soon do you have to tell the firm if you want to hire them?
Step 12: Interview the attorney.
You should meet with the attorney after you've finished preparing for the interview.This will allow you to determine if this is the right lawyer for you.If you want to meet with a lawyer in person, keep in mind that they may charge you a nominal sum, often no more than $50.They might not want to spend a lot of time with you on the phone.They may limit the call to find out if you have the type of case they usually choose to accept.Take notes if the firm doesn't want to take on your case.If the firm knows of another firm that is more interested in your type of lawsuit, ask.You may not be able to find an attorney.If a law firm doesn't win a medical malpractice case, they can lose a lot of money.If you need the regular services of a language translator, be sure to tell the firm.You may be working with this lawyer for several years, so make sure you are comfortable interacting with him.It can take a long time to settle these types of cases.It is wise to meet with at least one other lawyer if you have any doubts about the firm.A larger law firm is more likely to have all the financial resources required to fund your case as opposed to a smaller one.If you like what you hear and see the credentials of the law firm, schedule an appointment.The lawyer's first consultation is free.Many firms still offer this service.For a half-hour appointment, some may charge you a nominal amount.
Step 13: Sign the paperwork after making an agreement.
You will need to sign a contingent fee contract and release your medical records if you are going to hire a lawyer.A contingent fee contract is an agreement between you and your lawyer.The contracts say you won't pay the lawyer up-front.If you win the case, you agree to turn over some of your award.Every healthcare provider involved in your lawsuit will need to sign medical record release forms.Everyone who has participated in your care since you were injured will need to release their records.You may want to contact this person if you have been seeing a therapist.For privacy reasons, you may want her or him to only give a general summary of their recent visit.