A medical malpractice case can take several months to resolve, so it is important to know what you should expect when filing a lawsuit.
When it’s time to take on a medical malpractice case, you want to make sure that you are well prepared to increase your chances of winning. It is not easy to go up against a hospital or doctor and these cases can last years sometimes. If you are considering filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, here is what you should expect.
The Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers will offer a free consultation for victims of medical malpractice. The consultation is important because the lawyer will determine if your claim is worth bringing on a case for. You want to bring all your medical records to this meeting as well as any other documents related to the case. This includes pictures of the injuries, medical bills, insurance information, and even pay stubs to show any missed work or last wages. The more information you have, the better. You want to be completely honest during this time and also ask any questions you may have.
Expert Opinions
A medical malpractice case will always involve expert opinions on both sides. They are there to ensure that your claim does indeed prove medical negligence. Expert opinions can either lead to a settlement being made before trial, or if they can’t agree, the case will be taken to court. The experts are there throughout the entire case to help you build your case and will testify in court to help the judge or jury understand the medicinal aspect of your claim.
Early Settlements
A lot of medical malpractice claims don’t actually make it to court. Rather, they are settled beforehand with an agreed on amount of money. As mentioned before, a medical malpractice case can last years, so it is sometimes easier to agree on a settlement. However, your lawyer will make sure that the settlement is fair. If a reasonable amount can not be agreed upon, then you will continue to prepare for trial.
Collecting The Money
If you win your medical malpractice case, there are two options when it comes to collecting the money received. A lump sum means that all the money will be given to you at once when the lawsuit ends. The other option is a structured payment, which is when you get paid in smaller increments over a longer period of time. With a structured payment, you typically end up getting more money in the end, but you have to wait longer to receive it.
Have You Or A Loved One Been A Victim Of Medical Malpractice? Call The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients through Maryland and Washington D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligence or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims that result from medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car or truck accidents and have secured hundreds of millions in verdict settlements. Give us a call at (410)-843-3476 for a free case evaluation. You can also visit our website www.410thefirm.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Google +, and LinkedIn for more information.