Do you think a healthcare provider is responsible for the harm you sustained? If so, you may have a medical malpractice case, and a free consultation with a lawyer is the first step toward pursuing compensation.
Hiring a medical malpractice lawyer can be intimidating, and you may not know what to expect from the consultation. Here are nine things you should know before you meet with an attorney to make the most of your time.
1. It’s Really Free
Yes, “free” means no charge. Many law firms offer free consultations for medical malpractice cases. This gives you the chance to explore your legal options and determine if you actually have a case without financial risk. You’re not obligated to hire the lawyer after the consultation, and there are no hidden fees involved.
The consultation may be 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the law firm. It’s important to be prepared to make the most of your limited time.
2. You Can Ask Questions
This is your opportunity to ask anything about your case and the lawyer. Wondering if you have a valid claim? Curious about how long your case might take or how much it could be worth? Don’t hold back. Lawyers are there to provide clarity about the legal process and your next steps.
You will probably find it helpful to write down a list of questions to take with you to the consultation.
Here are some questions to get you started:
- Do you think I have a strong case?
- Do you see any issues with my case?
- What do you think is the most likely outcome?
- How long do you think my case would take?
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- How much trial experience do you have?
- How will I receive updates about the case?
- Will you be handling my case personally?
- Can you explain your fee structure?
Asking plenty of questions helps you make an informed decision and decide what steps to take next.
3. The Lawyer Will Listen To Your Story and Ask Questions
During a free initial consultation, the lawyer focuses on understanding your story. They’ll ask questions about the situation, your injuries, and how your life has been affected. Be honest and detailed. The more information you provide, the better advice they can offer.
Before your consultation, write down a summary of your medical treatment and when the potential malpractice occurred with a timeline that is as specific as possible. You can bring any documentation you have, such as medical records, physician charts, prescriptions, photos of your injuries, and any communications you have received.
4. You’ll Learn If You Have a Case
One major goal of the consultation is to determine whether your case is worth pursuing. The lawyer will evaluate the details and let you know if they believe you have a strong claim. If they decide to take your case, that’s a good sign that they see a path to compensation.
The attorney will likely explain what they consider the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They may discuss possible outcomes they anticipate based on experience. You may get advice about steps you can take now to strengthen your case or address weaknesses.
5. The Lawyer Will Explain Their Role
This is also a time to learn about the lawyer and their approach. They’ll explain how they can help with tasks like gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit. You will learn not only what your lawyer and legal team will handle but also their strategy and approach.
6. You’ll Learn How Legal Fees Work
The majority of medical malpractice attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This fee structure means you do not pay an upfront retainer. Instead, the attorney’s fees are only paid if they recover money for you. Their fee will be a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Contingency fee agreements have many advantages. However, you should understand how the attorney’s fee structure works before deciding if you will hire them.
You should also ask about potential costs you could incur, how they are paid, and what you may owe if your case is not successful.
7. It’s a Chance To Evaluate the Lawyer
Just as the lawyer is evaluating your case, you are evaluating them. Are they knowledgeable? Do they explain things clearly? Do they seem rushed, or are they genuinely listening to you? Do you feel comfortable with them?
A strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust, so take note of how they communicate. Carefully consider your feelings about the attorney’s expertise, opinions, and communication style. Only hire a lawyer you feel comfortable representing you.
8. It’s Important To Be Honest
Everything you discuss during the consultation is confidential. Even if you don’t hire the lawyer, they can’t share what you’ve told them. This means you can speak freely about your situation without fear of judgment or repercussions.
It’s important to be as honest and detailed as possible when you tell your story. Don’t leave out details that you think might make you look bad. Remember that the attorney cannot give you an honest assessment of your case or represent you effectively without knowing everything.
9. The Lawyer May Not Take Your Case
Don’t be discouraged if the attorney does not accept your case. Because they work on a contingency fee basis, medical malpractice lawyers usually only take cases they believe are likely to win.
There are many reasons for a lawyer to decline your case, including:
- High caseload
- Conflict of interest
- Lack of experience with your type of case
- The estimated value isn’t enough to justify hiring a lawyer
- The statute of limitations is close to expiring
- There does not seem to be enough strong evidence
Even if the attorney declines to take your case, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a valid claim. It’s still a good idea to speak with another attorney who may have more experience with similar cases or time to invest.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer To Learn More
Are you ready to discuss your case with a lawyer? A good place to start is looking for local attorneys who have experience handling similar cases. If you aren’t sure where to start, or you have a complex case, you may find it helpful to find a lawyer through the bar association.
The State Bar of Georgia offers an enhanced directory to find an attorney with the experience you need. The Atlanta Bar Association also offers a free lawyer referral program.
If you have been injured in Atlanta and want to discuss your legal options, our team is here to help. We are one of the premier medical malpractice and catastrophic injury law firms in the state. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney.
Contact the Atlanta Medical Malpractice Law Firm of Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you or a close one have suffered from medical malpractice in Atlanta, Georgia, please call Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers at (770) 390-7550 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346