People only think of a legal battle when faced with serious matters, including life and death. And medical malpractice is certainly one of those matters. With medical negligence, you can suffer financial losses. But what’s worse is the potential of having a lifelong disability.
Medical malpractice ranges from birth and brain injuries to anesthesia and emergency room error. But it’s not an all-lost situation. You can work with a medical malpractice attorney to get the compensation and justice you deserve.
These are professionals who understand the law and medical system. They know how to use the law to your advantage. But they are not all equal in skill or experience.
And so, you must consider a few factors before working with one. We have a list of these factors ready for you to go through.
1. Field of Expertise
You can’t hire a divorce lawyer for a surgery error, can you? Therefore, relevancy is of utmost importance.
Medical malpractice law is complex. It requires years of study and experience to understand it fully. And so, you must check to see if the attorney is adept at it. The best way to assess is to see if the attorney has a specialization certificate in medical malpractice. You can also look at their educational background and experience.
Luckily, some medical malpractice lawyers in Memphis offer free case reviews. It is your chance to check whether they’re only talking big or they have what it takes.
2. The Attorney’s Track Record
When your health and life are on the line, you want to be sure of your attorney’s capability. You must do a background check and see if they have handled cases similar to yours before. If past clients have been successful in their settlements or court cases, you can be sure of a good outcome too. You can gauge the attorney’s success rate by checking the following:
- Wins versus losses ratio
- Ability to negotiate settlements outside of court
- Financial awards secured for former clients
3. Involvement in Professional Organizations
Attorneys must participate in professional organizations to keep themselves up to date with the latest happenings in their field. Be it new laws or regulations, they must stay up-to-date with the changes.
Moreover, an attorney participating in multiple organizations will have a broader network. It will help them collaborate with other experts in the field and develop an effective strategy for your case.
Involvement also shows the attorney’s commitment to the profession. If you go for a free consultancy, you can directly ask them about their thoughts or request to see the awards they have received.
4. Fees and Payment Options
Good legal representation is costly. And so, you need to make sure you have sufficient funds. If the attorney you are considering doesn’t offer payment plans, it’s better to look for another one.
Knowing how much you must pay will help you make the required arrangements.
Choose a plan that’s flexible and caters to different financial abilities. Reputed medical malpractice attorneys often operate on a contingency fee basis. You will only pay them if you win the case or get a settlement. Others might charge an hourly rate or have a flat fee.
Of course, there are a few factors that determine the fees. The amount of money at stake and the case’s complexity are two factors.
5. Personality and Professionalism
Your attorney will represent your case in court and other legal scenarios. You can only work with someone who is professional and can engage with people.
Check for qualities like communication skills and efficiency in their work. When you talk to them, observe if they are patient enough to listen and understand your story.
It also matters that you feel comfortable with them. A good relationship will help you share important information easily and trust their decisions.
6. Availability
Whether you’re dealing with a complex legal matter or a simple one, you want an attorney who’s fully invested in your case. But here’s the thing: not all lawyers are created equal.
Some are so busy that they pass off cases to junior associates. Although capable lawyers, these associates might not have the same experience as the senior attorney.
So, if you’re looking to hire a seasoned lawyer to handle your case, ensure they’re available. Don’t make assumptions. Ask them directly if they have the bandwidth to give your case the attention it deserves.
If you decide to move forward with hiring them, make sure your contract stipulates that the senior attorney will be the one handling your case.
7. Location
Location is an important factor to consider when hiring a medical malpractice attorney. Depending on where your case is filed, you may require the assistance of a lawyer with experience in the local courts and laws.
Hiring someone who practices near you is also better because they’re much more likely to be familiar with local judges and attorneys. That might give them an edge over out-of-towners.
Plus, it’ll be easier for you to contact them if needed during the trial process.
8. Staff’s Friendliness
How would you feel if you tried to contact your lawyer and their staff was not helpful? You would be frustrated, right?
That’s why it’s necessary to ask about the staff’s friendliness. These are the paralegals, legal assistants, and secretaries—the ones who look after the nitty-gritty details of your case.
It’ll be difficult to progress with your case if they are unprofessional and inconsiderate.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the right medical malpractice attorney for your case, many factors come into play. Make sure you research thoroughly and assess their credentials before committing to any lawyer.
It’s also important to remember that the cost and services of different lawyers can vary significantly depending on your location. So, ask about their fees and payment plans before deciding. But remember, since it’s a matter of legal representation, don’t be tempted to look for the cheapest option.
Always choose someone who offers quality and experienced services at a fair price.
