Your biggest asset in a medical malpractice case is the lawyer you work with. When you are dealing with the stress of an injury, you want to have someone with experience and professionalism on your side. That’s why choosing the right medical malpractice attorney in Baltimore, MD is so important. So, how can you find someone who will help you navigate the complex legal system while working to get you a maximum payout from the liable party?
How to Pick a Medical Malpractice Attorney
Search Within Your State
State law varies widely when it comes to both the medical professions and personal injury law. For that reason, lawyers are only licensed to practice within a particular state. You should search for an attorney who practices within the state where your claim will be filed.
Refine Your Search by Area of Practice
While some lawyers claim to be jack-of-all-trade attorneys, they do not usually provide the best legal services. The law is extremely nuanced, and it is difficult to be an expert in every area. If you plan to file a claim against a medical professional, you should choose an attorney who has ample experience in personal injury with a specific focus on medical malpractice.
Ask Some Questions
When you have found an attorney who has the qualifications and the experience necessary to represent you, it’s time to ask them some questions. You can inquire if they will be doing most of the work on your case, or if significant aspects will be passed on to assistants. You can also ask what percentage of their cases generally go to trial, and how many end in a settlement. From there, you can get a sense of their strategy and how they intend to negotiate on your behalf.
Check the Local State Bar Association
In order to verify an attorney’s credentials, you can look them up on the local state bar association. Any licensed attorney with the correct qualifications to represent you will appear in the bar association’s database.
Choose an Individual You Can Work With
Filing a medical malpractice claim is a process that will involve a lot of communication between you and your attorney. He or she will help you with some, if not all, of the following tasks:
- Drafting a demand letter addressed to the doctor who injured you
- Getting a medical board to review your case
- Determining how much compensation you can ask for
- Reviewing your medical expenses and lost wages
- Building evidence
- Negotiating for a settlement offer
- Representing you in court
You should choose an attorney who communicates clearly and presents themselves in a professional manner. Whether your case takes a few months or several years, it is important to work with someone you trust.
Check the Reputation of Their Firm
In addition to verifying the credentials of the individual attorney, you should confirm that they work for a reputable firm. Attorneys are more likely to win cases when their standing in the community is at stake. Additionally, well connected firms are more apt to have valuable connections within their professional network. For example, they might be able to get in touch with an economist who can help predict the extent of your reduced earning capacity in the event that your injury makes it difficult for you to go back to work.
Read Reviews
One way to get a sense of the individual attorney you have chosen and his or her firm is by reading online reviews. By doing so, you will be able to determine whether or not their clients are generally satisfied with the services they provide.
Why You Should Not Represent Yourself
Due to the complexity of the laws pertaining to personal injury, it is never a good idea to try to represent yourself. It is much better to find a top medical malpractice lawyer Maryland. For one thing, the time it takes to educate oneself on courtroom etiquette and the rules surrounding the presentation of evidence is enormous, and there are no second chances in court.
The slightest mistake can result in your case being thrown out, potentially at great cost. Those considerations aside, working with a qualified attorney will allow you to focus on your recovery. When you have found the right lawyer, you can proceed with the knowledge that your case is in the right hands.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Attorney in Baltimore
Finding the right lawyer is essential because the outcome of your case will be greatly impacted by your attorney’s level of skill. You need an attorney with the expertise and drive necessary to fight on your behalf. By doing your research, choosing someone from a reputable firm, and making sure you can communicate effectively together, you will greatly increase your chances of a positive outcome.