If you are the victim of medical malpractice, one of the first things you should do is find a suitable lawyer to represent you. The lawyer you work with can have a significant effect on the outcome of your case. However, with so many different lawyers out there, how do you choose the right one? Asking the proper questions during the initial consultation is can help you determine if an attorney is the right person to take your case.
Here are some questions to ask a medical malpractice attorney:
Do You Specialize in Medical Malpractice Claims?
Medical malpractice claims are very complex and difficult to prove, so it’s important to work with a lawyer who has many years of experience dealing with these types of claims. If the lawyer you speak to has only handled one or two medical malpractice cases in the past, he or she might not have the type of experience you are looking for.
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses in My Case?
It’s a good idea to find out how strong your case is and if there are any weaknesses that could potentially hurt your case. This will help you determine what you can realistically expect from your case. A good medical malpractice attorney will be honest about the strengths and weaknesses in your case and won’t just tell you what you want to hear.
How Many Cases Are You Currently Working On?
As mentioned above, medical malpractice cases are extremely complex, so they require a lot of time. That’s why it’s important to hire a medical malpractice attorney who actually has the time to work on your case. If the attorney you talk to has a full caseload, he or she might not be able to give your case the attention it deserves.
Do You Have Expertise in My Type of Medical Malpractice Case?
There are many types of medical malpractice cases, and you ideally want to work with a lawyer who has expertise in your particular case. For example, if your baby suffered a birth injury, you might not want to work with a lawyer who has only handled cases involving medication errors.
Do You Write About Medical Malpractice Topics?
It doesn’t hurt to ask an attorney if he or she has ever written about medical malpractice topics. Attorneys who regularly write about medical malpractice have a true passion for the field and are generally more up to date on current issues.
How Long Will My Case Take?
While a medical malpractice attorney can’t tell you exactly how long your case will take, he or she may be able to give you a ballpark figure. The length of time your case takes may depend on several factors, including the number of parties involved, the type of injuries you suffered and the number of depositions.