Parents of injured children often struggle with questions such as – Should I hire an attorney to pursue compensation in a medical malpractice claim? The answer depends on the extent and cause of the injury.
An attorney can provide legal representation if a parent believes a doctor or hospital’s mistake caused a medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy. A lawyer can help a parent pursue fair and adequate compensation in a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit. Hiring an attorney may improve a victim’s chances of securing a successful settlement or award.
Determining the Need to Hire an Attorney after a medical malpractice
Many attorneys will provide victims a free initial consultation to determine whether there are grounds for a medical malpractice case.
During this first meeting, the attorney and parent(s) may discuss matters including:
- What is the extent of your child’s injuries?
- What are your injury-related expenses?
- Will your child require surgery or long-term care?
- What was the extent of your prenatal care?
- Did your doctor talk to you about injury risks or offer alternative birthing options?
- Did anything happen in the delivery room that indicated doctor error or negligence?
- Did the doctor or hospital attempt to blame you for your child’s medical malpractice or discourage you from contacting an attorney?
An attorney may then discuss the option to pursue a medical malpractice claim if he or she believes there are sufficient grounds and evidence for legal action. The parent has the right to hire the attorney that best suits his or her needs.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Why an Attorney May be Necessary for a Claim
An attorney is positioned to handle all of the complex, detailed casework that otherwise might overwhelm a busy parent.
Some of the tasks an attorney can handle include:
- conducting investigations into how and why the injury occurred and who is liable;
- interviewing witnesses and securing witness testimony;
- consulting medical experts;
- collecting evidence to substantiate a claim;
- facilitating all conversations with hospitals and insurance companies; and
- determining a fair settlement offer that encompasses all past and future damages.
- An attorney acts as an advocate for an injured child and his or her parents in the pursuit of fair compensation.
Choosing a medical malpractice Attorney
medical malpractice claims benefit from attorneys experienced in similar cases. Factors to take into account when choosing an attorney include:
- How many medical malpractice cases has the attorney prosecuted?
- Who will actually handle the investigation and courtroom work (will an associate or paralegal conduct most of the legwork or will the attorney handle the case personally)?
- What kinds of compensation does the attorney intend to pursue in a medical malpractice claim?
These are just a few of the examples of what to discuss in an initial consultation with a medical malpractice attorney.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269
When Patients Suffer Injuries from Medication Errors Patients rely on their doctors and pharmacists to provide them with the right medications in the proper dosages, and to inform them of any possible drug interactions. Unfortunately, prescription errors are not uncommon and wind up harming numerous patients each year. When a patient is harmed because of a careless mistake by a physician, nurse,...
Misdiagnosis of Medical Condition or Cancer Receiving a correct diagnosis for cancer or other serious medical condition is critical especially if a condition or cancer is wrongly diagnosed, treatment is often delayed or incorrect. This error can cause catastrophic results for the patient, ranging from increased health complications because of improper treatment, to death from lack of proper care. When a...
The Facts About Preterm Labor Malpractice Full term pregnancy normally lasts 39 to 40 weeks. However, circumstances do exist where babies are born early, doctors call these premature births. Babies can survive outside the womb as early as 24 weeks, but they face many challenges on their way to heading home. While there are many natural reasons for a baby to...
Nurse Neglect of Serious Complications When a nurse fails to administer care when a patient is suffering from a serious complication, the patient’s symptoms may worsen, and the complication may lead to more serious problems, including death in severe cases. Just like doctors, nurses have a moral and legal obligation to provide patients with a high standard of care. When...
How do I Know If I Have a Medical Malpractice Case? It is more common than you might think for people to be unsure whether they are victims of medical malpractice. The only way you can win a medical malpractice lawsuit is by proving that a medical error was made or medical negligence occurred. Unfortunately, it may not always be clear whether these mistakes occurred. With...
Examining Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Cruise lines generally have medical staff on each ship to ensure all passengers can receive prompt treatment for illness or injuries. However, like doctors and trained care providers on land, cruise ship medical staff can act negligently and commit malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered preventable injuries or harm because of a careless...
How to File a Dental Malpractice Claim in Florida If you or someone you love suffered an injury during a dental procedure, you might be able to seek compensation—but only if the dental professional was negligent. However, to file a dental malpractice claim in Florida, you must do so before the filing deadline passes and obtain a Certificate of Merit attesting to the substandard...
Can I Sue a Plastic Surgeon for Medical Malpractice in Florida? Few experiences can be as distressing as facing complications after a plastic surgery procedure. Such incidents can leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional, and deeply affect the victim or the victim’s family. One of the best ways to navigate these turbulent waters is by securing the guidance of a Florida medical malpractice lawyer. At...