4 Things You Must Know Before Filing a Malpractice Case

Did you know there were 57 medical malpractice verdicts last year worth $10 million or more?

Of all the personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases are the hardest to win. That’s one reason to choose the right malpractice lawyer to handle your case. You don’t need someone green behind the ears, so to speak, since expertise and experience matter.

If you’ve suffered harm due to the negligence of a healthcare provider and are thinking about filing a malpractice case, the first thing you must do is retain the services of a lawyer. This legal professional will comb over the details and evidence, let you know whether or not there are grounds to file a claim, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Here are four things you should know about medical malpractice before pursuing a case.

1. There’s a Time Limit

It’s essential to know that there are time limits. So, if you suffer harm due to a medical professional’s negligence and wish to file a claim, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t dilly-dally. Depending on the state, you could face time limits ranging from one to three years.

If you find a lawyer immediately, the legal professional will ensure you don’t miss the statute of limitations for your state. Facing injury is bad enough. But you don’t want to add insult to injury by waiting too long and finding out that you can no longer file a medical malpractice claim.

2. You Have to Prove Your Case

Making allegations isn’t nearly enough. To win your case, you need sufficient evidence to back up your allegation. It’s not as easy as you might think to prove that a healthcare provider’s negligence caused your injury. You must show the following:

• There was a patient-doctor relationship
• The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care
• The healthcare provider fell short of an appropriate standard of care
• This negligence caused your injuries

A good medical malpractice lawyer will comb over the evidence and show that a doctor’s negligence was behind your injuries. If necessary, they will also bring in medical experts who can testify on your behalf.

3. Cases Can Take Awhile

One thing to remember is that medical malpractice cases can take a while. If you head into the process thinking it’ll be over in three to six months, you may be disappointed. According to some sources, it’s not uncommon for medical malpractice cases to last from around two to five years.

No two cases are the same. And different things can impact the duration of a case, for better or worse. Some cases are settled during the discovery process or out of court, while others are determined in court. That’s one reason to find a good medical malpractice lawyer.

A reliable lawyer will keep you in the loop so you know where your case stands at any point. The longer the case drags on, the more important it is for your lawyer to stay in touch. You’ll get status reports and answers to your questions, which will help put your mind at ease.

4. Experience Is Vital

Considering the odds you face after filing a medical malpractice claim, you must give yourself the best chances of success. And that means hiring a reputable medical malpractice lawyer.

Find someone who specializes in that area of personal injury law — not just someone who dabbles in various areas of the law. You need a professional who knows the ins and outs of medical malpractice cases to go toe-to-toe with the doctors, insurers, and other lawyers.

When people see medical professionals, they expect and deserve a high level of care. The last thing they expect is negligence that leaves them worse off than before the treatment. But if your worst nightmare materializes after seeing a healthcare provider, you might need a medical malpractice lawyer.