When to Consider a Malpractice Claim

15 Jun When to Consider a Malpractice Claim

Going ahead with a medical malpractice claim is a big decision. It’s oftentimes very intimidating, and going to court is never something that people look forward to. If you’re wondering if you’re in a good position to file a lawsuit, consider the following.

1. Were you Treated Negligently?

Medical malpractice claims hinge on your being treated negligently by the doctor in some regard. This may or may not involve outright incompetence. In some cases, a very good, very skilled doctor may have attended you, but they may have been negligent in the care they gave. Your lawyer will help you determine where and when negligence came into play and how it fits into your experience.

2. Did You Suffer?

Pain and suffering are almost always a part of a medical malpractice claim. This is hard to quantify in dollars, but attorneys can help you come up with an appropriate figure. They’ll do this as part of putting your entire claim together. This is subjective, of course, but other cases provide guidance as to how much to ask for in your claim. If you suffered because of a doctor’s negligent treatment, malpractice claims are something to consider.

3. Were You Harmed Financially?

One of the most devastating parts of most medical malpractice incidents is the financial harm that they cause. You may end up laid up for a very long time while you heal and that, of course, means that you also may end up losing a lot of money. This can be devastating for families, particularly if you’re one of the primary monetary contributers. The financial harm you suffered will likely be a part of the claim that you file.

Contacting an Attorney

If you’re considering a claim, contact a medical malpractice lawyer. They’ll let you know how long you have to wait before filing a lawsuit. This may not be as long as you think, so be sure that you talk to an attorney to get an idea of how long you really do have. They may want to meet with you right away to determine whether or not you have something to consider. If they do, this is generally a free service that they offer all potential clients so that they can see if it’s possible for them to help the client. Meeting is non-committal, and it’s a good idea if you’re not sure about which action to take next.