If you or a loved one suffered an unexpected injury at the hands of a medical professional, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice case. Your next step may be finding an attorney to evaluate your case and represent you. However, choosing a medical malpractice lawyer in Mobile, AL, can feel overwhelming.
This guide outlines factors to consider when selecting an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
Understand the Importance of Choosing the Right Attorney
Why is it so important to spend time learning how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer? Can’t you hire any licensed attorney to represent you?
There are several reasons why you should do your due diligence in this process:
- Medical malpractice cases are complex. They require in-depth knowledge of medical and legal procedures. Your attorney should possess the requisite experience to navigate the intricacies of your case effectively.
- You need extensive evidence. Medical negligence cases can sometimes be challenging to prove. You’ll need extensive evidence showing that the medical professional breached their duty of care to you, causing your injury. Seasoned attorneys know how to collect evidence from several sources and build a strong case.
- These cases often require negotiation. Many medical malpractice cases settle out of court, but this involves negotiating with the insurance company for an acceptable settlement. An attorney with sharp negotiation skills can represent you in all relevant discussions.
- The right attorney increases your chances of success. Choosing an inexperienced lawyer, however well-intentioned they might be, could negatively impact your claim.
With these points in mind, it’s time to start looking for the right medical malpractice attorney.
Seek Referrals and Personal Recommendations
The prospect of sorting through a list of all of the medical malpractice attorneys in your area can be daunting. It might help to start by seeking referrals from friends, family members, and even community groups.
Personal recommendations from those who have navigated medical malpractice can help you feel more confident choosing an attorney. You can ask about the person’s experience with a particular lawyer and why they would recommend them to learn more about their background and style.
If you can’t find anyone who has filed a medical malpractice case, you may be able to at least seek referrals for other types of attorneys, then ask those legal professionals whether they have recommendations for malpractice lawyers. If all else fails, you may want to look on the Alabama State Bar website and other trusted legal databases.
Read Reviews and Perform Research
While personal recommendations and referrals are often trustworthy, you can’t always rely on this information alone to choose a medical malpractice lawyer. You should also perform your own research to determine whether the legal professionals on your short list seem reputable.
You may want to read reviews on platforms like Google and Avvo to learn more about other clients’ experiences with these attorneys. Also, visit their websites and learn more about their background, practice areas, and credentials.
Verifying relevant case histories can help you get a better handle on your options.
Ask the Right Questions About Their Experience and Style
Consultations allow an attorney to learn more about you and determine whether you have a case. But they also give you the opportunity to learn more about a lawyer. When determining how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer, the consultation can provide you with key information.
Come into the meeting prepared with questions for the attorney. You may want to ask any of the following:
- How many medical malpractice cases have you represented?
- What types of medical events have your malpractice cases centered on?
- What were the outcomes of past malpractice cases?
- How will you build a strong case for me?
- What percentage of the malpractice cases you have represented have settled out of court?
- Do you have trial experience, and are you prepared to represent me in court if necessary?
- How many other cases are you currently handling?
- How do you prefer to communicate with clients about their cases?
- Do you work on a contingency fee basis or another fee structure?
Don’t be afraid to jot their answers down during the consultation. You can compare notes from several meetings to narrow your options and choose an appropriate medical malpractice attorney.
Make the Final Decision
At this stage, you will have extensive information about several attorneys. It’s time to choose one who seems like the right fit for your case type, preferred communication style, and budget.
Once you decide on your legal representation, they will likely have you sign an agreement laying out the terms of their representation, fees, and scope of work. Review this document closely and save a copy of it for your own reference.
Jackson & Foster Law: Trusted Malpractice Attorneys in Mobile, AL
If you are wondering how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer in the Mobile, AL, area, consider that Jackson & Foster Law has nearly 40 years of experience representing clients in medical malpractice and other personal injury cases.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling 251-433-6699 and learn more about suing for medical malpractice.
