Philadelphia is known for its medical education. The city is home to many health care and medical research institutes. Therefore, medical care is an integral part of Philadelphia. However, medical malpractice is also common in Philadelphia. Medical malpractice case is a personal injury claim that arises when a patient is injured due to a healthcare provider’s negligence. To file a attorney for medical malpractice claim in Philadelphia, you must meet the four essential conditions:
- The neglect of a healthcare provider must have caused the injury.
- The injury must have been significant and not the result of a preexisting condition.
- The damage must not have been caused by an unavoidable accident.
- The statute of limitations mandates you to file for a case within two years of receiving the injury.
If you meet these requirements, it is crucial to find an experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer who can help you file your claim before the two-year statute of limitations runs out. Here is how you can find the best Attorney for Medical Malpractice for your case:
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
In addition to searching online, you should ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations for medical malpractice attorneys. When you know someone who has been harmed because of someone else’s negligence, whether that person was a doctor or healthcare worker, ask that person about the outcome of their case.
If you have a relative who has won a medical malpractice claim, then ask them how they found their lawyer and whether or not they were satisfied with the outcome of their case.
If you do not know someone injured by a healthcare worker, but you know someone who has been injured in another type of accident, ask them if they know any reasonable personal injury attorneys.
Visit Different Lawyers
Once you have a few credible lawyers on your list, it is vital to talk to different attorneys before deciding which one to hire. When you meet with an attorney, be sure to ask them about their experience in handling medical malpractice cases. It would be best to ask them how many medical malpractice cases they have handled and the outcomes.
It would be best to ask the Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer about their fee arrangement. Most attorneys charge an hourly rate, but some may also charge a contingency fee. It is a percentage of the total amount of the settlement or verdict that the attorney will receive if they successfully win your case.
Also, make sure you understand precisely how much money you will have to pay out-of-pocket if your attorney is charging a contingency fee. The typical lawyer in Philadelphia will charge around $240 per hour for a personal injury case. However, the rates may differ depending on the area you live.
Preparations Before Meeting with Your Lawyer
Before your first meeting with the lawyer, you should gather as much information as possible about your case. It includes copies of all medical records related to the injury, receipts for any medical expenses you have incurred, and photographs or videos as evidence of the harm.
You should also bring a list of questions for the attorney. Some of the questions you may want to ask are:
- How much experience do you have handling medical malpractice cases?
- How many medical malpractice claims have you filed in Philadelphia?
- What is your contingency fee arrangement?
- Can I see some references from other clients who were satisfied with the outcome of their case?
Be sure to bring all documents and questions when you meet with the attorney. It will help you get the most out of your meeting and ensure that you decide for yourself and your family.
Get a Second Opinion
It is ideal for getting a second opinion from another attorney before deciding which lawyer to hire. It is essential because it will allow you to talk to lawyers from different firms and compare their responses to your questions.
If you were harmed because of another’s negligence, then both state and federal laws apply to your case. For this reason, it is essential to make sure you hire an attorney who is experienced with both state and federal law.
With the rise in medical colleges in Philadelphia, medical malpractices are sometimes inevitable. It would be best to file a medical malpractice claim in Philadelphia if you were harmed due to negligence.
