Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers have the right to exercise their profession freely. However, if due to their misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance, they cause harm or injury to their patients, the latter also has the right to be indemnified. Suppose you find yourself or your loved ones in this predicament. In that case, your lawyers from the Ewing Law Group suggest that you seek the help of reputable and experienced attorneys to get the maximum indemnification you deserve.
But how do you know if a prospective lawyer is the right one for you? How do you know if he can vindicate your rights and exhaust all remedies available to maximize your claim for damages? And how do you know if he has your best interest at heart? Read on for smart tips in choosing a personal injury lawyer for your medical malpractice claim.
Work with a lawyer that specializes in medical malpractice cases
When you choose a legal representative, make sure to work with one who has years of related experience in the area of law that applies to medical malpractice compensation. Medical malpractice could be a criminal case, civil case, or a combination of both. You can also ask the medical licensing body to revoke the said medical practitioner’s license due to his unethical behavior.
Despite being a criminal or civil case, medical malpractice is not similar to cases of ordinary negligence. The former presupposes a legal and moral duty dictated by their oath of professional conduct to avoid harm or injury to the other. On the other hand, the latter is defined as the party’s failure to exercise the diligence required in a given circumstance, and such failure gave rise to an injury to another. With this said, it’s a great idea if your lawyer is well-versed in the penal provisions and experienced in cases filed due to a breach of the professional code of conduct.
Choose the one experienced in both the substantial and procedural aspects of the case
There’s a massive difference between a lawyer and a seasoned one. Both may be savvy with the laws and cases used as precedence, but it takes a seasoned lawyer to battle it all out and win in court. The substantive aspect of the law can always be learned and read in your law books. However, the nitty-gritty of the procedural aspects and the courtroom interpellation strategies are all learned and mastered by experience. Even if you have to pay a little higher for an experienced lawyer, go for it. Their expertise will give you leverage when the case is already filed in court.
Be mindful of their disposition and personality
When you file a case, you’ll be working closely with your lawyer. You will also be sharing case-related details with him. Given this, it’s best if you relate well and comfortable with him. Suppose you were a victim of neglect by the hospital staff when you gave birth to your child. To justify your indemnification case, you need to clearly explain to your lawyer in what manner you were neglected. Recalling these events may be uncomfortable and traumatic. However, if you’re comfortable with the person you’re telling these details to, you would feel at ease. You won’t also hesitate to reveal the gory and morbid details.
Figure out if your lawyer is genuinely interested in your story
You can only get the best defense if your lawyer is all out in advancing your cause. You can tell that he is genuinely interested in winning the case and vindicating your rights if he listens intently and asks questions to clarify whether or not you have a legal standing to file the lawsuit. Don’t be intimidated or offended if they ask the hard questions. They need to ask you over and over again to ensure that they understand you correctly. After all, it’s hard to cover up for a false claim when the case is already in court. These false claims can also be the reason for the judge to adjudicate the case in the opponent’s favor. So, appreciate a lawyer who takes time to review and reassess your statements before finally drafting an affidavit complaint.
Ask how much they charge for the case
The cost will always be a factor in deciding whether or not to hire a particular lawyer. However, this doesn’t mean that a lawyer who charges low for their services is always the right choice. If the said lawyer’s expertise justifies the hefty professional fee, then that’s already a steal. You need to know how they bill and how much they ask for their services to avoid surprises down the road. With this matter settled at the onset, you’ll have time to focus more on the case as it progresses.
Working with a reputable lawyer for your medical malpractice claim offers a lot of benefits. However, you can only say that you’re one step ahead of your opponent if you choose the lawyer that will surely advance your best interest and fight for your cause. Take this checklist to heart and get leverage in your medical malpractice lawsuit.