Discovery and review of the claim by expert medical witnesses are important steps of a medical malpractice case.
After talking to a lawyer and determining you have grounds for filing a medical malpractice claim, what do you do next? You may be eager to head to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve, but there are other steps that occur prior to a resolution of your case. Once your case is filed, two main actions must occur before you step foot in a courtroom, discovery, including written questions and answers and depositions of the witnesses will occur.
How Long?
The amount of time it will take for your medical malpractice case to be resolved depends on a few factors. The complexity of your case, the strength of your case, and the demand on the court in the jurisdiction you filed your claim will all impact how long your case will take. Typically in a complex medical malpractice case you will get a trial date within 18 months of filing the case.
Discovery
Discovery is a pre-trial procedure during which each side must share evidence, possible evidence, and related documents that could possibly be used as evidence. This provides both sides with the information they need to better understand the case and determine the best way to proceed. It’s also an opportunity to build a stronger case and plan a strategy for trial.
Expert Medical Witnesses
Each side will call on expert medical witnesses to review the case and offer their professional opinion. In the state of Maryland, your lawyer is required to obtain a certificate of merit from an expert in the relevant field of medicine prior to filing your claim. The Defendant’s legal team will also have the opportunity to have their own expert medical witness review the claim. If the expert medical witnesses determine the medically accepted standard of care was not met and negligence has occurred then the lawsuit will proceed.
Need Representation for Your Medical Malpractice Claim? Call 410-THE-FIRM!
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout 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 negligent 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 of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements*. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and LinkedIn.