Looking for a medical malpractice attorney: seek help from the right legal expert
By: Stephen | Posted: 22nd April 2010
If you are looking for an attorney to handle a medical malpractice case but know not how to choose the right one, it is a good idea to learn the basics. A medical malpractice may be defined as a negligence or wrongdoing on the part of a medical professional resulting in injury or death of the patient.
In case you or a member of your family has been a victim of any such incident you need to act immediately. The first thing to do is contact an attorney. He would be able to help you understand the legalities, advice you on the matter and act as your legal representative if the case goes to the court.
Confused about where to look for an attorney? The best source is a referral. Ask all your contacts whether they have faced any similar situations. If they have, ask them about the lawyer who handled the case. You can also look for such attorneys using the Internet.
There are certain things you need to look for in an attorney. You need to choose an attorney who knows the details of the medical malpractice laws. It is only the sound knowledge of the law that makes an attorney capable of handling your case.
The most important thing to check is whether the attorney has any previous experience in dealing with such cases. Expertise comes only with experience. Check the success rate of the attorney in such cases.
Only a licensed attorney can represent your case at a court of law. Check whether the attorney you have chosen has a license to practice in your state. For this you need to visit the local bar association and request the information.
Choose an attorney who is an expert in the branch of medical malpractice. You don't visit a dentist for an eye checkup. The same rule applies to legal matters as well. You need a specialist in the particular field. It is better if you could find a lawyer who has experience in the particular kind of medical malpractice incident similar to your case.
Knowledge about the insurance laws of the state is also necessary. An expert lawyer would be able to understand which insurance laws are applicable to the case. He could deal with the insurance adjuster and help you get a better compensation for the injury or death that occurred due to the malpractice.
It is advisable that you choose a couple of legal firms specializing in medical malpractice cases at first. Most offer a preliminary discussion free of charge. This discussion is necessary as this would give you a clear idea about whether to hire the attorney or not.
When you go for the preliminary discussion with a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney you need to be prepared. You may be asked for your medical records and insurance details. Carry these on your visit with the lawyer.
You need to ask the lawyer relevant questions about the case. Discuss the best strategy to use in handling the case. It is also necessary to talk about the charges as well. Many attorneys take a part of the compensation as their charge. Clarify these beforehand to avoid any hassles later.
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Tags: success rate, referral, lawyer, insurance, dentist, wrongdoing, negligence, attorneys, medical malpractice case, legal matters, local bar association, sound knowledge, insurance laws, legal representative