Medical negligence, especially during surgery, can result in permanent disability. You will probably need expensive and long-lasting treatments if you were injured during surgery. It’s also likely that you won’t be able to work for an extended time. All of this can significantly impact your family’s finances, putting you in a vulnerable position. A surgical error lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation by gathering significant evidence and representing you in court.
How to Find an Experienced Surgical Error Lawyer
There are specific procedures to file a surgical error claim, and a surgical error attorney can help you comply with court rules and make your case move forward faster. But how to ensure that you get a good lawyer? Educating yourself and understanding your legal rights as a patient who suffered injuries due to medical negligence is essential.
Research and Due Diligence
The easiest way to find a trustworthy attorney is to ask people around you (trusted coworkers, family, friends) for recommendations. If you cannot get a few names through your network, you can proceed to call the Maryland State Bar Association or research through their online directory. During your search, make sure to target firms that specialize in medical malpractice cases. Finally, an excellent source of recommendations is victim support groups.
The internet is an excellent tool for further information about law firms and attorneys. First, look for professional websites with clear contact information. Lawyers with a proven track record of success will usually advertise the cases they won through their website, and you may also find former client reviews.
Qualities to Look ForÂ
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, ask for a consultation. Most law firms offer first consultations for free. The first consultation is an excellent opportunity to evaluate your rapport with the attorney. Some of the most important qualities to assess if or not a lawyer is a good fit for your case include:
- Reliability and responsiveness
- Empathy
- Excellent communication skills(oral and written)
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Transparency regarding fees and associated costs
A robust professional network is also essential, as you will need statements from medical professionals before you can take your case to trial. Finally, you want to hire someone who works within a well-reputed firm with a professional team that can help them handle your case (for example, paralegals and investigators).
Red Flags
The first red flag is solicitation (calling you at your home or visiting you at the hospital without your permission). The American Bar Association forbids solicitation. Beware of “one-man operations” lawyers who lack a professional office setting. Other critical red flags are a lack of client recommendations and bad online reviews. Â
Frequently Asked Questions
What Constitutes a Surgical Error?
The most common surgical errors include:
- Incorrectly administering anesthesia
- Performing the wrong surgical procedure
- Operating on the wrong part of the body
- Performing a surgery on the wrong patient
- Failing to address complications adequately
Regardless of this list, if you believe you or one of your loved ones was a victim of medical negligence during surgery, you must contact a surgical error lawyer in Baltimoreto review your case.
What is a Contingency Fee Structure?
A contingency fee structure means your lawyer will not get paid unless you win. In that case, they will get a percentage of your compensation. While the rate sometimes seems high, it’s essential to understand that the attorney faces the risk of not getting any pay for their services.
How Much Will My Case Cost?
You must discuss attorney fees from the first meetings and ask for a written contract. You will need to pay out of pocket for other associated fees (filing fees, court fees, etc.).
How Long Will it Take to Get Compensation Money?
Many factors can affect the timeline of your case, including settlement negotiations and court availability. It’s important to remember that you should rarely take the first settlement offer. Instead. let your attorney negotiate on your behalf. While it may be overwhelming to wait for compensation, impatience may translate into a significantly lower compensation, and you may be stuck with paying for further medical expenses out of pocket.
What Compensation Can I Get For a Surgical Error Lawsuit?
Damages for medical negligence in Maryland can be economic (uncapped) and non-economic (capped at $830,000). On average, if a jury or judge decides that you are entitled to compensation, it will include all your medical expenses (including future treatments related to the injury), present and future loss of income, permanent disability, and pain and suffering (non-economic).
Surgical errors have devastating consequences on patients and their families. Getting proper legal counsel to fight for your rights and ensure you’ll be compensated for your losses is vital. It’s essential to find an experienced attorney who is familiar with federal and state laws.
