Considering that it’s a complex field out there, finding the right lawyer should not be one of those hassles. Medical malpractice can destroy one’s life, and the right legal support in such scenarios will do much more than help. These cases call for an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer who knows their way through such complexities. This article therefore takes into account the things you need to look out for when you seek a medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta.
Understanding Medical Malpractice and When to Seek a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice is said to occur when some form of injury has been caused to a patient because of the failure to perform the pre-agreed standards of care by a medical professional. This kind of injury from these aspects might be occasioned by negligence, misdiagnosis, or even an error in treatment. Knowing the basics about medical malpractice is important as you seek legal representation for yourself. Knowledge is power, and the more one can learn about one’s rights, along with details concerning the case at hand, the better-prepared one will be in that search.
Experience Counts When Choosing a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Atlanta
Experience is considered the utmost factor in the case of any plaintiff when it comes to the choice of any medical malpractice lawyer. In this respect, a medical malpractice lawyer needs to be efficient enough in representing any case. They have to know the fine boundaries of the concerned medical laws and might have dealt with similar cases previously. The plaintiff must ask about their success ratio from the potential lawyers and the number of cases that they have settled.
Qualification and Reputation
When you seek a medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta, you want to work with a highly qualified and respected one. Online reviews and ratings, and even testimonials from legal directories, are indicative of good legal standing. You may want to know whether they belong to professional organizations. Such membership in organizations such as the American Association for Justice can be indicative of substantial service to their commitment to ongoing education and advocacy in medical malpractice law.
Communication with Your Medical Malpractice Lawyer
The relationship with your attorney has to be communicative. You will want an attorney who listens to your concerns, answers your questions and keeps you informed throughout the process. Pay attention to how they communicate with you during the initial consultation. Do they explain, in a non-legal way, Are they approachable and attentive to your questions? A good attorney will be transparent and communicative with you.
Legal Fee Evaluation
You have to consider the attorney’s legal fees before hiring them. Most attorneys don’t charge one penny from you until you win the case. It takes some of the financial burdens off your shoulders concerning retaining legal services. Just make sure, however, that you talk about the percentage they would deduct from your settlement and other fees that might incur along the way. This could help you avoid further miscommunications in the long run.
Evaluate the Attorney’s Strategy
Every medical malpractice case is different, and a good lawyer will have a strategy made for your specific case. As you go speak with different attorneys, ask them what their strategy for your case would be. What would their next steps be in terms of investigating evidence? How would they be communicating with the insurance companies? An effective strategy — one that meets your needs and accomplishes your objectives — helps you believe in the attorney whom you retain.
Trust Your Gut When Choosing a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Finally, trust your instincts about your decision. Not only is it important to have a good relationship with your attorney, but it can also become a highly personal one as well, considering the large amount of time you are sure to spend together. If for any reason you feel that maybe you would not feel comfortable with them, or you are not quite convinced of their acceptability, take that feeling as a sign to continue finding an attorney.
The choice, when you seek a medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta, is utterly crucial in ensuring that your rights are well protected. This decision will be founded on elements of experience, reputation, communication, fee structure, strategy, and personal comfort after which a well-informed decision shall be made. A good lawyer will have to put in consideration not just legal representation but also defense and speaking out for his client regarding his well-being through such an ordeal.
The American Medical Association can be contacted for information on medical malpractice laws and the rights of patients.
