After her son’s cesarean-section birth, Nicole was told he was in the NICU due to various complications. The doctor told Nicole her son would probably have cerebral palsy. Angry and convinced medical malpractice was at play, Nicole started hunting for a lawyer. Various attorneys turned her down, and one even told her to stop looking.
Undeterred, Nicole continued her search for the right lawyer, which led to my firm, Janet, Janet & Suggs, LLC. Eight years later, we won the case and $33 million for Nicole and her son.
Medical malpractice cases are extremely complex and demanding, and firms that take them on expend lots of resources to bring them to trial. It can take time to find the right one to fit your needs. As you search for the right attorney for your case, consider these six questions to ask any prospective personal injury lawyer or law firm.
1. How Extensive Is Your Medical Knowledge?
Experienced medical malpractice attorneys are extremely knowledgeable about the field of medicine. We need to be able to interpret and analyze medical charts and scrutinize the opinions of medical experts. Most of us stay up to date on new research, technology, and policy changes. Some of us even have medical degrees and have practiced medicine.
2. Do You Have Expertise in My Type of Medical Malpractice Case?
Find an attorney who has broad experience in your particular type of injury. I have considerable experience in many types of medical malpractice cases, but focus primarily on birth injury cases. Many of my colleagues in our firm also specialize in particular types of cases.
3. What Experience Do You Have in Taking Cases to Trial?
Some attorneys love to research but dread representing their clients in the courtroom. Others can’t wait to get in front of the trial jury to present your case. Look for an attorney with a lot of trial experience.
4. What Financial Resources Do You Have to Pursue My Case?
Medical malpractice cases are expensive to investigate and bring to trial. Your lawyer assumes the financial responsibility for this work and only gets paid if you win or settle. Hire a firm that has the financial resources to cover big up-front costs for investigation and experts needed to take your case to trial if need be to get appropriate justice.
5. Are You Recognized by National Organizations for Your Expertise?
Lawyers who are regarded as experts in their field teach courses, publish articles and books, and are asked to lecture. They are also highly rated by organizations such as Martindale-Hubbell®, Best Lawyers®, and US News and World Report. Use these resources to learn more about a lawyer. I consistently receive Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating and have been named Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year.”
6. What Noteworthy Cases Have You Handled?
The cases of the best medical malpractice attorneys often make the news. Use media reports to learn about the reputation of the attorneys you’re considering. For example, Janet, Janet, & Suggs, LLC attorneys were recently in the news representing some of the victims of the tragic tainted steroids case in Massachusetts.
Finding the right medical malpractice lawyer for your case requires some legwork. If you or a loved one have been injured by a medical procedure or medical error, seek the advice of a reputable medical malpractice attorney.
Also in this section of Howard Janet’s book:
- Accrediting organizations of attorneys and law firms.
- Ethical and Professional credentials
- Winning Unwinnable Cases
You can purchase a copy of Navigating a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit–What You Need to Know from Amazon.
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