Though most doctors hold to the ancient medical wisdom of “first do no harm,” they aren’t always successful.
In fact, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, taking more than 250,000 lives each year.
Those who don’t die from medical errors can suffer debilitating injuries.
Patients who have suffered harm can hold doctors and other healthcare workers accountable with a medical malpractice lawsuit. In 2018, US plaintiffs won $4 billion in medical malpractice lawsuits.
While a medical malpractice lawsuit won’t take away the pain you suffered due to medical errors, it can ease financial stress in your time of need. A lawsuit also discourages doctors from practicing carelessly, possibly sparing other patients from experiencing similar suffering.
If you have suffered from a medical error and want to find a medical malpractice attorney, keep reading for information on how to find the best lawyer. If you would like to speak to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer right away, give attorney Albritton with Irons & Irons P.A. a call for a free consultation.
Why Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Attorney?
When you file a medical malpractice lawsuit, you will face big insurance lawyers. You don’t want to take on this challenge by yourself or with an inexperienced lawyer. You want a lawyer who handles lots of medical malpractice cases.
Your family attorney may be skilled at drafting prenuptial agreements and settling divorces, but for your medical injury case, you want an attorney with specific skills negotiating medical malpractice settlements.
In a medical malpractice case, lots of money is on the line. Insurance companies often pay large settlements when confronted with strategic legal pressure, so you want a skilled medical malpractice attorney.
Where Should You Look for a Medical Malpractice Attorney?
You want to find an attorney who represents many victims of medical malpractice. An attorney with significant experience will know how to negotiate with an insurance company to get you the maximum possible settlement for your injuries.
Medical malpractice attorneys come in two categories:
- Attorneys who represent insurance companies (that insure medical professionals), and
- Attorneys who represent victims of medical errors.
To find a medical malpractice attorney who represents victims, ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. For a wider audience, you might ask social media contacts or co-workers. If you know any lawyers who practice in other areas, ask them for recommendations.
Also, look at news stories for significant medical malpractice cases in your area. What attorney represented successful plaintiffs?
Once you’ve narrowed your list of the best medical malpractice attorneys in NC, research the attorneys online. Do they get good reviews? Are there any news stories that question the attorney’s character? Which attorneys stand out as a good fit for your case? Solidify a list of attorneys who have excellent qualifications and get good ratings.
What Should You Ask a Medical Malpractice Attorney?
Next, you’ll want to meet your potential attorneys in person. Medical malpractice attorneys should offer a free consultation. Contact them to arrange a phone, video chat, or face-to-face conversation.
When you meet with a medical malpractice attorney, you’ll want to fill them in on the details of your case, learn about the attorney’s recommendations, and ask questions.
Ask these questions when meeting with a medical malpractice attorney:
- Have you ever handled a case like this?
- How long have you been handling medical malpractice cases?
- What is the average settlement you get in medical malpractice cases?
- Do I owe you anything upfront or do you work on contingency?
- What percentage of my settlement do you take?
- How long do you anticipate this case taking to settle?
- How often should I expect to hear from you?
When you discuss your case with a potential attorney, you want to look for several clues that the attorney will be a good fit. Find someone who gives you straightforward answers to your questions and communicates well. You want someone who shows you respect and doesn’t speak to you in a condescending manner.
Look for an attorney who seems detail-oriented and motivated to pursue a maximum settlement for you. You probably also want someone who will work on contingency, meaning the law firm will fund your case and take a portion of your settlement as payment.
That way, you won’t have to pay a retainer and add financial stress during litigation. Finally, go with your gut. If someone doesn’t seem like a good fit for your case, you should probably keep looking.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Get started on your medical malpractice attorney search by contacting attorney Albritton with Irons & Irons P.A.
While the major settlements he wins make headlines, Harry cares most about passionately advocating for his clients. Harry wants to help victims recover the compensation they deserve while holding those who harm others accountable.
If you need a medical malpractice attorney with a history of multi-million-dollar settlements and excellent ratings, call Harry Albritton of Irons & Irons P.A. for a free consultation. Take the first step toward recovering what you deserve for the harm you suffered, and get your medical malpractice case started today.