If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a medical professional
— a doctor, nurse, obstetrician, surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc.
—who do you turn to? With all of the lawyers claiming expertise
in medical malpractice litigation, how do you decide who to hire? Who
would be the best lawyer to trust with such an important case? Here are
some factors to consider and some questions that you might think about asking:
What Kind of Experience Do You Have?
There are many law firms who handle all types of personal injury cases.
However, medical malpractice occupies a very complicated and specialized
niche in tort law. The Texas Legislature and courts have set traps that
can derail even the most meritorious case. Therefore, it is important
to hire someone who handles more than just the occasional medical malpractice
case, someone whose skills are sharpened by representing patients every
day. When you have someone who dedicates their practice to holding medical
professionals accountable, you can feel peace of mind knowing that the
attorney you hired can deliver state-of-the-art representation.
Will My Lawyer Be Handling the Case?
Many law firms want to sign up medical malpractice cases so they can refer
them to specialists in return for a referral fee. Likewise, senior lawyers
often pass cases off to junior members of the firm. Make sure you are
talking to the lawyer who will actually handle your case. Get a commitment
that your case will not be handed off to someone else.
What Resources Do You Have?
Medical malpractice cases are demanding for a number of reasons. Your attorney
will be required to have a command of the relevant medicine, the medical
literature and science. Does he or she have the technical resources to
develop your case? Does the attorney have a network of experts in the
particular medical specialties involved? Does the firm have in-house nursing
staff to assist with preparation? And since medical malpractice cases
care expensive—often requiring the investment of $100,000 or more,
does he or she have the financial resources to see the case through to
conclusion? Having access to these resources can make a big difference
in the outcome.
Do You Have the Time to Devote to My Case?
Will your case be a priority or will it simply be another case in an assembly
line? Will the attorney focus on your case? Does the attorney believe
in your case and be committed to obtaining the best possible result? Will
he or she make the type of investment, both of time and resources, that
you and your family deserve?
Have You Had Success In These Cases?
The past is the best predictor of the future. Ask about the lawyer’s
experience in medical negligence cases in general and cases that are similar
to yours. And ask about success rates. Having success means that the lawyer
knows what it takes to build a strong case strategy. Has he or she been
recognized for accomplishments in this area of law? A proven history of
results should show that the lawyer is respected for his or her abilities
in this practice area.
Houston Medical Negligence Attorneys
At Hampton & King, we recognize that you have a choice with who you
hire to represent you against a negligent medical professional. Our
Houston medical negligence lawyers have the skill, experience, and resources necessary to help you reach
the outcome you desire. We stand by your side every step of the way, working
to help you secure compensation and obtain justice.
Call our firm today and learn how our team can help you. We have the abilities you need to
put this situation behind you and move forward with a favorable result.
