Finding the best medical malpractice lawyer to represent your case is crucial when you or a loved one is the victim of medical negligence. It can also be daunting
A competent and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
But how do you find and choose a medical malpractice lawyer? And how much does a medical malpractice lawyer cost?
If you have questions about finding the best medical malpractice attorney near you, read on to learn more about how to find a lawyer and what to expect.
1. Ask Friends, Relatives, and Coworkers
Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to find a reliable medical malpractice attorney.
Speak to your friends, family members, and colleagues to see if they have any personal recommendations for a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer.
If someone you trust has had a positive experience with an attorney, you may too. Keep in mind, however, that every case is different. It’s always recommended to do your research as well.
2. Look at Online Directories and Reviews
Use online directories and review sites to find reputable medical malpractice attorneys in your immediate area.
Websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and FindLaw offer extensive directories that allow you to search for lawyers by location and practice area.
These websites often feature client reviews and peer ratings, giving you valuable insight into a lawyer’s performance, experience, and reputation.
3. Check with the Local Bar Association
Your state bar association can be an excellent resource for finding a medical malpractice attorney.
Most bar associations maintain search tools or have a referral service to connect you with lawyers specializing in medical malpractice.
While the bar association may not be able to provide you with specific recommendations, they can offer a list of qualified attorneys to handle your case.
4. Consult Your Primary Care Physician
This option may or may not be a fruitful suggestion depending on your case. If your medical negligence claims involve your primary care physician, you won’t be asking them for a referral.
Some physicians may or may not be willing to refer you to a medical malpractice lawyer. The best chance of asking them is if they’ve had experience with similar negligence claims before.
Physicians often work with or know of attorneys in their professional network, and their insights can be valuable in your search. However, remember that any referral from a physician should only be part of your decision-making process.
You should still conduct further research on the recommended attorney to decide whether this person is the best medical malpractice lawyer for your case.
5. Check with Legal Aid Organizations
Legal aid organizations can help you find a medical malpractice attorney. These organizations provide legal assistance and can connect you with a qualified attorney who might be willing to take your case.
Contact your local legal aid office to inquire about their services and referrals.
6. Conduct an Online Search
A simple Google search can be a useful starting point when searching for a medical malpractice attorney near you.
Use keyword phrases such as “medical malpractice attorney near me” or “best medical malpractice lawyer” along with your city or zip code to generate a list of potential attorneys.
Visit these attorneys’ websites, read their bios, and look for case results and client testimonials. This information can give you a sense of their expertise and success in handling medical malpractice cases.
Tips for Finding the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Once you’ve narrowed your findings to a few attorneys you’re interested in learning more about, you’re likely wondering what to do next. Here are some tips to help you decide between your top choices.
Schedule Consultations with Each Attorney
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential attorneys, schedule a meeting with each. Most medical malpractice lawyers offer free initial consultations, during which you can discuss the details of your case and assess whether the attorney is a good fit for you.
Make the most of your consultations by having a list of questions prepared beforehand. Ask each lawyer the same questions to compare after all your meetings.
Questions should focus on each lawyer’s experience, success rate, and legal strategy. Please pay attention to their communication style, and make sure you feel comfortable discussing your case with them.
Check for Disciplinary Actions
Before hiring a medical malpractice attorney, verify their standing with their state’s bar association. Many bar associations maintain a searchable online database of disciplinary actions against attorneys.
Run each lawyer’s name through the database to ensure they don’t have any serious disciplinary actions against them, such as a suspension or disbarment. This quick research can help avoid hiring someone with a problematic professional history.
Assess Their Experience and Expertise
When evaluating potential medical malpractice attorneys, prioritize those with extensive experience, especially experience related to your type of medical negligence.
For example, if you’re pursuing legal representation for a birth injury, prioritize attorneys with successful results in birth injury lawsuits. This attorney might be more familiar with the unique challenges and nuances involved.
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require a deep understanding of medical and legal issues.
Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success in medical malpractice cases and a strong knowledge of relevant laws and medical procedures.
Compare Fees and Payment Structures
Finally, consider the fees and payment structures of potential attorneys. Medical malpractice lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis.
That means your attorney will get paid only if they recover compensation in your case. You don’t pay upfront costs or legal fees. Instead, your attorney will take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement to cover their legal fees.
Don’t let concerns about affording a lawyer keep you from getting the legal assistance you need.
However, be sure to confirm the attorney you want to hire does, in fact, handle cases on a contingency basis. Before signing a retainer agreement, ask how other costs and fees are addressed, such as court filing or expert witness fees.
Compare their fees and payment structures to ensure you are comfortable with the arrangement and confident in your choice.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Baltimore
When searching for the best medical malpractice lawyer, please consider Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico. We have decades of experience assisting injured victims in getting justice for medical negligence.
You don’t have to navigate the complex legal process alone; our skilled legal team stands ready to help. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation to learn how we can help.
Phil Federico is a partner at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
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