A Medical Malpractice lawyer can help you find out whether you do, or don't have a valid medical malpractice case. Most clients who come to me are not sure whether they have a valid case. However, most know what happened to them. "I walked into the hospital with only a small problem, and I came out without my leg!" "She was healthy when she saw Dr. Jones, but she died on the operating room table..." "I got the medication from my pharmacy, but after I was hospitalized, I looked at the bottle and it was different from what was prescribed!" The lawyer's job is to investigate your case. How does he do this in order to help you? Simple. He (or she) will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. He will (and should) personally review each of those medical records to determine for himself if there is a potential case here. He will then send all of your medical records to a medical expert for evaluation. In New York, an attorney must confirm with a medical expert that you have a valid malpractice case before he can ever start your lawsuit. This requirement is designed to prevent 'frivolous lawsuits' against doctors and hospitals. Your lawyer must then affirm that he has consulted with a medical expert who is knowledgeable in that field of medicine and confirms the basis for a case. I'm sure you know someone who's afraid to call a lawyer to discuss their potential case. Well, they shouldn't be afraid for a number of reasons: (1) The consultation, either by phone or in person, is usually free, (2) There's usually no cost involved to the victim to investigate-The lawyer incurs those costs. If you're unsure, ask your lawyer when you call. (3) If you have a valid case, and your lawyer starts a lawsuit on your behalf, the lawyer will get reimbursed for those expenses at the end of the case, if he recovers money for you. [In New York, the client is ultimately responsible for all expenses on the case whether they win or lose.] DO NOT LET TIME GO BY WITHOUT CONSULTING A LAWYER, IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A POSSIBLE CASE In New York, as with all states, there are strict time limits that a victim has in which to start a lawsuit against a hospital or doctor, or a city hospital or clinic. If you do not file within that time frame, there's a good chance you will have lost your ability to ever bring a lawsuit for your injuries. So, don't delay. If you have questions about a potential case, pick up the phone and call. Get an opinion from an experienced lawyer. Learn all you can about choosing an experienced lawyer, and then make your decision. |
