A doctor or any healthcare practitioner is the last person you’d expect to be negligent. But reports say otherwise. There is research that says that 10% of all deaths in the US are due to medical negligence. Particularly in Virginia, it is a big state where thousands of medical malpractice cases get filed in civil courts each year. This state follows its own legal rules and statutory laws governing patients’ rights to sue liable health professionals.
That’s why victims of medical malpractice have to go through a lot. On top of medical expenses and lost wages, some may even develop a level of distrust or hate toward doctors or anyone in the medical profession in general. But hate or distrust isn’t going to solve anything, and neither is suffering in silence.
This is why hiring a Virginia medical malpractice lawyer is the best thing victims can do in this situation. The lawyer offers all the assistance a victim needs, right from finding the liable parties to negotiating a settlement to taking the case to court if needed. But just any lawyer won’t do. A victim has to do their due diligence before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer.
This article is aimed at helping such individuals. It lists 5 valuable tips victims should follow when hiring a medical malpractice lawyer. Read on.
Tip 1: Research, Research, and More Research!
Finding a lawyer is rarely a straightforward process. Finding a medical malpractice lawyer is even more difficult.
Victims should refrain from choosing the first lawyer they come across. They must shortlist 5 or 10 lawyers based on their expertise and then shortlist them. The following are good reasons to reject a lawyer:
1) The lawyer is from a different city or state 2) The lawyer specializes in a different field of practice 3) The lawyer doesn’t have a lot of experience 4) The lawyer has handled a lot of cases, but mostly unsuccessful ones
Tip 2: Asking Friends and Family
There are increased chances that a friend or a family member of the victim knows a lawyer or two. They might have either hired them for a case or just bumped into them on some occasion.
The victim ought to take advantage of these contacts. Even if the lawyer specializes in a different field, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a referral.
Tip 3: Look at the Budget
As important as a medical malpractice claim is, it is crucial to not burn money on hiring a lawyer. Victims must make sure that the lawyer they hire doesn’t go over the budget they have in mind.
Most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In this arrangement, the victim doesn’t have to pay any money up front. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of the victim’s winnings. This arrangement is beneficial for victims who’re under deep financial stress.
Tip 4: Check for Trial Experience
Statistically, a majority of cases are settled out of court. This is because out-of-court settlements are fast and convenient. But the same cannot be said for a court trial.
Court trials are long and arduous. But the odds of an exceptionally high settlement are better in court trials. They also allow the victim to claim punitive damages.
Courtroom experience is an important asset for medical malpractice lawyers to have. Arguing and defending against outrageous statements is an art that is difficult to master. It pays for victims to choose a lawyer with ample courtroom experience, as it will come in handy if the case goes to court.
Tip 5: Professionalism and Manner of Speech
Victims ought to check a medical malpractice lawyer’s level of professionalism before hiring them. It helps to note the following things:
1) How the lawyer answers the victim’s questions 2) The confidence they show in conversations 3) How understanding they are of your situation 4) How invested are they in your case?
The factors listed above will help determine whether the lawyer is a good fit for a medical malpractice case.
Conclusion
It is impossible for victims of medical malpractice to seek compensation without legal assistance. An experienced lawyer offers all the guidance the victim needs in this difficult time. The lawyer makes the claim process a lot easier and ensures that the victim’s rights are upheld.
