Making the decision to file a malpractice claim can be one of the scariest and most traumatic things a person can do. To admit that a doctor has somehow damaged your quality of life, a claim that is often irreversible, is downright terrifying. Along with your family and friends, the stabilizing force during the whole proceeding is going to be your lawyer. Since most of us have extremely negative perceptions of what a lawyer is and how they work, it can seem like Mission: Impossible to find a lawyer we trust and admire, but if you are thinking about filing a malpractice claim, it is absolutely imperative that you do. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect malpractice lawyer.
If at all possible, go with someone you know or someone you have a relationship with. This is important for several reasons. Developing a bond with a malpractice lawyer is extremely important since the emotional strain of your court case is likely going to be quite difficult. If you have a family member or a friend who is a malpractice lawyer, you already have that bond created and as long as you know to keep your personal feelings away from this professional proceeding, you will be ahead of most people when it comes to picking the right lawyer.
If you are in no state to choose your own attorney, make sure those that will pick your lawyer for you know what to look for. Here are a few important attributes you should always look for in a good malpractice lawyer.
The ability to communicate clearly and articulately should be automatic for any good lawyer, malpractice or otherwise. Your lawyer not only has to communicate your case to a judge or jury in a compassionate and caring way, but he or she must also communicate with you, your family and your loved ones about the status of your case, what will be expected from you and more. If your lawyer comes across as a shyster or as someone unsavory, they will likely come across the same way to a judge or a jury. This is one time when it is vitally important to trust your gut.
Experience should also help to be a deciding factor when it comes to litigating your malpractice case, but it shouldn’t be your first priority. Every year, thousands of good lawyers graduate from school and are anxious to build up a history of cases won. Sometimes, a young, hungry lawyer looking to make a name for him or herself will work substantially harder for you than an experienced lawyer who doesn’t feel that he or she has much to gain from winning your case. Experience counts, but not nearly as much as attitude.
As you can see, finding the right malpractice lawyer can be a bit complicated bit it isn’t impossible. The decision to seek a malpractice lawyer should be much more difficult. If it isn’t, you might want to reevaluate your reasons for suing in the first place.
