How to Find a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Who Will Fight for You

Medical practitioners are people we all assume we can trust with our health. After all, they’re highly trained, go through significant vetting processes, and typically have a proven track record for treating patients fairly.

It’s jarring when healers end up causing or worsening our health situations because of that, and the results of malpractice can be catastrophic.

When medical malpractice damages your health or hurts your loved one, you deserve compensation. Here’s a guide on how to find a medical malpractice lawyer who can get you the justice you deserve.

1: Look for a Specialized Lawyer

Specialization in medical malpractice cases is necessary. Medical malpractice cases closely resemble standard personal injury cases, and they’re technically a subtype of personal injury law, but many factors complicate a malpractice case. It’s not the same as suing someone because their Halloween decorations caused you to slip and fall.

Some of the biggest challenges include fighting highly funded legal teams, obtaining proof that malpractice caused the problem instead of unavoidable medical circumstances, or neglect on your part, etc.

These cases often require neutral professional witnesses, rock-solid arguments, and top-tier abilities to navigate the courtroom effectively. It’s not something you want to put in the hands of someone who mostly handles other types of cases.

2: Success Record

You’ve just had to deal with a traumatic medical experience. You’ve been through enough. You do not want to put your case in the hands of someone who is known for losing.

Lawyers like to show off the cases they’ve won and other accolades that prove they have what it takes. You’ve probably even seen it on television when firms brag about winning their clients millions of dollars or having won against a major institution. Talk to them, or ask about their portfolio, and see what type of results they get.

Keep in mind that a lot of cases don’t actually win. They don’t lose, either. They end in settlements very often, because the offending party is willing to cut a check to avoid the fallout, and the plaintiff doesn’t want to deal with a drawn-out court case. If a lawyer has lots of high-value settlements to talk about, that’s just as good as official wins. As long as the result is in the best interest of their client, of course.

3: Support Throughout the Case

A lawyer’s primary job is to help you argue your case in court so you can receive the compensation you deserve. However, that’s not all a lawyer does if they really care about winning.

It’s very common for lawyers to help you with insurance claims, discovering evidence that you might have a hard time accessing on your own, finding ongoing medical support that not only strengthens your case but also helps you get better, and more.

That extra support is extremely helpful. Insurance companies are difficult to deal with, and you already have a lot on your plate due to your injuries or losses.

4: Accessibility

You’ll need to talk to your lawyer a lot, and you’ll go to their office to go over paperwork and handle other things that aren’t good to do over the phone, and you don’t want to drive 100 miles for every conversation. You want a lawyer who is accessible.

One thing to look for is flexibility. You might not be able to get to the office, even if it’s close to home, as soon as there’s a need to communicate. Does the lawyer provide online or cellular communication that gives you convenience while still getting things done?

Is the lawyer available during a reasonable number of working hours, or will you be competing with other clients for days to get a hold of them? Some information can’t wait.

However, one of the most important factors is to make sure they’re ready when you are. Law is a very busy profession to be in, but if you call your lawyer when you have a case, and they can’t set up a consultation for weeks, you might lose your case because of that. Many types of evidence can disappear quickly, and each day you spend not making progress is a day you can’t prepare for the courtroom. Be reasonable, but expect your lawyer to be able to get on the case fast.

5: How Do You Pay?

A lawyer does have to get paid. It’s a complicated job, and you’re receiving professional-level services. However, most people can’t afford to cover hourly legal rates out of pocket. Especially when you just went through a traumatic medical event.

Luckily, it’s common for medical malpractice lawyers to work on a contingency pay structure. That means that you don’t pay anything up front, and the lawyer takes part of your winnings to cover their fair share. Of course, if you lose, that’s a risk the lawyer takes.

However, you still need to worry about the cost of expert witnesses and investigation fees. Expert witnesses are essential for many malpractice cases, and they can be expensive. Investigation fees are also additional costs. Some lawyers cover that upfront. Just make sure you fully understand your financial obligations before you commit.

6: Do You Get Along?

You’re already dealing with a lot. Your lawyer is going to be someone you discuss sensitive topics with, and you have to rely on them. They should be someone who acts professionally and makes you feel comfortable dealing with them.

Use your initial consultation to determine whether you’re a good match. They don’t need to turn into a lifelong friend, but communicating should be comfortable and easy to do.

Contact Loutos Law for Your Medical Malpractice Case

If you’re the victim of medical malpractice, or your family member was the victim of malpractice, you deserve a lawyer you can trust to get the justice you deserve. You need a client-driven approach, expertise, and years of experience with a proven track record.

If you’re in Florida, call Loutos Law to schedule a consultation today.