In your initial consultation with a malpractice lawyer, you will explain how a medical professional harmed you, review any documents you have related to your care and injury, and discuss your goals and the next steps for pursuing a claim or lawsuit. Your attorney will also answer your questions, discuss any laws or deadlines that may apply to your case, and explain any potential obstacles you may need to overcome to secure a fair settlement.
The process of filing a malpractice claim can be complex, but a Florida medical malpractice lawyer can walk you through it step by step. They will be your guide and advocate and help you pursue the financial compensation you need and deserve.
What To Expect During Your First Meeting With Your Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you’ve recently hired our personal injury law firm to represent you in a medical malpractice claim, you’re probably wondering what happens next and what to expect during your first meeting with your lawyer. While each case is unique, you can generally expect several things to happen during this initial consultation, including:
Telling Your Story In Your Own Words
Your medical error lawyer will want to know the details of what happened when a medical professional harmed you. Common causes of medical malpractice include:
- Diagnostic errors
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
- Lack of informed consent
- Delayed treatment
- Inappropriate treatment
Your lawyer will use this information to determine who is at fault for your injuries and which insurance company to pursue for compensation. They will also listen carefully to your story to understand how the medical error has affected your life, as pain and suffering and other non-economic damages may be a large part of your claim.
Recounting a traumatic experience can be difficult. You can rest assured that your Florida personal injury lawyer will be respectful and compassionate as they listen to your story and ask questions to understand the full extent of your losses and how the harm you’ve experienced has affected you.
Reviewing Evidence
Your lawyer will want to see any documentation you have related to the medical care you received and your damages. This may include:
- Medical records and bills
- Diagnostic test results
- Imaging reports
- Prescriptions
- Treatment plans
- Correspondence with the hospital, doctor’s office, or other facility where you were treated
Your medical error attorney will use this information to start their investigation. They can also help you gather additional evidence, such as expert witness testimony and the certificate of merit required for all medical malpractice claims in Florida.
Discussing Next Steps
Lastly, your attorney will explain what happens next. In general, this may include:
- Gathering additional evidence
- Consulting with medical experts
- Filling a claim with the medical provider’s malpractice insurance company
- Completing and filing a medical malpractice lawsuit
- Conducting settlement negotiations
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
Most medical malpractice claims settle out of court, but your lawyer will explain when and if they believe going to trial will be necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
How To Prepare For Your Initial Consultation With A Medical Negligence Attorney
You can do several things to prepare for your first meeting with your personal injury lawyer, including:
- Collect any documents or notes you have about your case, even if they seem minor or irrelevant.
- Collect pay stubs or other proof of lost wages if you had to miss work due to your injuries.
- Make a list of all the healthcare providers involved in your treatment and their contact information.
- Make a list of any witnesses who could provide more information about your case and their contact information.
- Make copies of any relevant correspondence.
- Be prepared to explain your story in detail. It may help to write down a summary or list of bullet points beforehand so you don’t lose your train of thought or omit anything important.
Important Questions To Ask Your Medical Negligence Lawyer
Your initial consultation with a medical malpractice attorney is a great time to get answers to all your questions. We recommend you write down all the questions you want to ask and come to your meeting prepared with a list to ensure you don’t forget anything. Questions you may want to ask include:
- What is your experience with other medical malpractice cases similar to mine, and what were their results?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses in my case?
- How much do you expect my case to be worth?
- How long do you think my case will take?
- Is my case likely to settle, or do you think it may need to go to trial?
- What is the statute of limitations or deadline for filing my lawsuit?
- Are there any other applicable laws or legal deadlines that I should be aware of?
- Can you explain the details of your contingency fee payment structure?
No question is insignificant or trivial. Write down anything you want to know, and your attorney will be happy to provide the answers.
Don’t Delay Scheduling A Consultation With A Florida Malpractice Lawyer
During your initial consultation with your malpractice lawyer, they will likely explain any deadlines or laws that may affect your claim. One of the most important is the statute of limitations.
In Florida, you generally have just two years from the date the malpractice occurred or the date you discovered the medical error to file a lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. However, these cases are quite complex, and circumstances can affect how long you have to act.
If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in court (if necessary), so we recommend contacting us as soon as possible after your injury to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With A Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
At Anidjar & Levine, our Florida medical malpractice lawyers have been serving victims of negligence since 2005. We focus on providing responsive legal help with a focus on serving your needs and going the extra mile to recover the compensation you deserve. We want to help you take back control of your life.
To schedule your initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, please contact us today.
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