LA residents have a lot of choices when it comes to medical malpractice attorneys (like bruce g. fagel), but what should you expect from your attorney? So what do you want from your medical malpractice lawyer?

Some suggestions:

The first step in hiring an effective medical malpractice lawyer is selecting a law firm with experience and knowledge within the field. They must be well-versed in the laws, practices, and procedures necessary to take on a medical malpractice case.

You should be looking for a law firm that is well-respected by its colleagues and peers, one that has a proven history of successful results. In addition, you want an attorney employing the best resources available – modern technology and investigative techniques, access to expert witnesses, a legal staff knowledgeable in all areas of medical malpractice law.

The fees for a good attorney will vary based on the expertise he brings to the case and their level of success — but you do not want to select an attorney because of their fee structure. “We only charge if we win” is a red flag that this attorney is only in it for the money, not your case.

You want to find an attorney with high standards of ethical behavior and integrity. An honest, compassionate attorney will be honest with you about your case, what they can do for you, what is involved in litigation, and the time frame necessary to resolve your case.

Don’t settle! Your attorney should be looking out for your best interests, not theirs. Therefore, it is critical to make the right choice when selecting an attorney to represent you in your case — it could mean the difference between recovery and defeat, life or death.

What Makes a Good Malpractice Case?

A medical malpractice case involves a health care provider breaching the standard of care, resulting in injury to the patient. The injured party can be just about anyone – a child victim of birth trauma, an adult who has sustained an injury or lost a loved one due to negligence or error by a hospital or physician.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Case

When you file a medical malpractice case, you make a statement to all parties involved – the defendant (hospital or physician), the court, and your peers. Your primary role in a medical malpractice case is as a witness – your attorney will do the speaking for you.

To file a case, the defendant must have been negligent in their care of you, must have breached the standard of care, and that breach must have caused injury to you. In a medical malpractice case, the injured party can be either the patient or a surviving family member (in cases of wrongful death).

Obtaining Evidence

Collecting evidence for your medical malpractice case can be complex and laborious. It involves assembling information about you, your injuries, the defendant and their level of care, as well as any expert witnesses. Your attorney will work with you to determine what evidence is necessary and retain the appropriate experts to help prove your case.

Preparing Your Case

Once you have all of the information you need, your attorney will begin preparing your case by investigating the facts relevant to your case and finding any expert testimony that may be helpful. It is important for you to monitor this process and ensure that everything is done on your behalf. You will also be required to go to the doctor for medical tests and evaluations (both for your attorney’s use and yours).