Your detailed medical history and bills are a vital part of your claim.
The old saying “preparation is half the battle” might be a little broad, but is a good thing to keep in mind during the early stages of your medical malpractice claim. You might have already found the right lawyer, but there are still steps you need to take before filing a medical malpractice claim. Besides compiling records and going over every detail of your case with your lawyer, you need to obtain a certificate of merit before you can file.
Preparation
Once you’ve found the right law firm to represent you, your attorney will interview you at length to get the details of the case. They will also look at your medical history and bills to ensure there are grounds for a claim. If your account of the malpractice and the medical history supports filing a medical malpractice claim, your lawyer will bring in a medical expert to offer their opinion.
Certificate of Merit
In the state of Maryland you are required to obtain a certificate of merit to go with your medical malpractice claim. The certificate of merit is used to show that a claim has sufficient support and deserves to be argued in court. Your lawyer will reach out to a expert medical doctor who will review the case and determine if you have enough support to file a lawsuit. A certificate of merit is intended to discourage medical malpractice suits without merit from being filed. The three key parts of the certificate are:
- The credentials and licensing of the expert medical doctor
- The doctor’s professional opinion of the case, showing there is a reasonable degree of probability the health care provider did not meet the standard of care
- A statement showing the doctor does not devote more than 20% of their professional activities to personal injury claims.
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.