In reality, healthcare professionals should look after the well-being of their patients by providing the standard care expected of them. However, doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners are still human, and as such, they sometimes make medical mistakes. These are known as medical malpractices.
According to statistics, 1 in 4 patients admitted to a US hospital has experienced medical malpractice during their hospital stay. Medical malpractice is a filed lawsuit against a healthcare professional who performed a reckless act that seriously harmed a patient. A reckless act can occur by a variety of factors, including incorrect diagnosis or improper treatment.
Having a lawyer in these cases is necessary. Many people do not realize the value of an attorney until they require one. When you need to navigate the legal system or seek compensation for a serious injury, you quickly realize that having an experienced and skilled lawyer can make all the difference. Hiring a medical malpractice attorney after being mistreated by a negligent medical staff has several advantages.
To help you out, we have compiled five reasons why hiring a medical malpractice attorney is the best step you could take.
Negotiate with the insurance company
When filing a medical malpractice claim, one of the things you must consider is the negotiation process with the insurance company. While you have the option of talking with them by yourself, it is in your best interest to allow an experienced legal professional to negotiate so you can focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.
For example, if you live in Philadelphia, do thorough research and find the best medical malpractice lawyer Philadelphia has to offer. Find someone with the necessary negotiation skills to assist you in achieving a fair settlement for your injuries. With a seasoned lawyer, you can concentrate on your treatments and therapies while the lawyer proves to the insurance company that the healthcare professional was wrong.
Prepare all necessary paperwork
The last thing you want to worry about after an injury is gathering the necessary paperwork to file a claim. Filing a medical malpractice claim requires a substantial amount of paperwork. That is why you will need the assistance of a legal professional to help you prepare the seemingly endless stream of paperwork to ensure a smooth filing process.
Most medical malpractice lawyers understand exactly what language to use, the correct legal terms, and the appropriate time limits for filing a claim. So to ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is collected, consult with a lawyer.
Obtain necessary testimonials
In a medical malpractice case, you must demonstrate the negligence of the healthcare professional in question. You must present expert testimony to support your claim that you never received the expected standard care. It is one of the reasons why you should consult with a medical malpractice lawyer.
Most medical malpractice lawyers have connections or resources that you can use as expert witnesses in your case. A quality lawyer can use consulting specialists or doctors who are experts in treating your health condition to help you establish the fault or liability of your doctor. This will increase your chances of winning the case.
Calculate the value of your claim
You probably don’t know how much your medical malpractice claim is worth without proper experience and knowledge. As a result, to set realistic expectations, a medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in determining the value of your claim.
Most lawyers have been through the complicated process several times, so they know exactly how to calculate a settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries. You’ll understand whether it’s worthwhile to accept a particular settlement offer or not.
Charge you a fair price
In most medical malpractice cases, lawyers typically charge hourly fees under contingency fee arrangements. It means the lawyer will receive payment only if you win the case. The lawyer will charge the necessary fee from the final settlement compensation as a percentage.
Usually, lawyers charge 33% of the total amount you receive. This way, you can be confident that your attorney is committed to the outcome of your case and that you will not have to deal with thousands of dollars in legal fees while waiting for the final outcome.
Final thoughts
If you’re starting a malpractice case, you should be aware that each situation is unique and requires a thorough examination of certain factors. As a result, if you want to win your medical malpractice case, keep the information mentioned above in mind, and you’ll understand the key reasons why having a medical malpractice lawyer by your side makes a lot of sense.