One of the first things you’ll need to do if you or someone you care about has been hurt by a doctor or hospital is meet with a medical malpractice lawyer. This meeting is when you’ll find out if you have a solid case and what to do next.
The good news is that most lawyers offer a free first meeting, so you won’t have to pay anything right away. It’s also your chance to get a feel for how the lawyer can help and whether they’re the right person to handle your case. So, before you go, it’s helpful to know what to expect from the free consultation.
In this guide, we’ll be going over what you can expect in that first meeting and how to prepare.
Be prepared for the questions the lawyer may ask you
When you meet with a medical malpractice lawyer for the first time, they’re going to ask you a bunch of questions. It might seem like a lot, but it’s just their way of understanding what happened and figuring out how they can help.
You should expect questions about the mistake that the doctor or hospital made. They’ll ask things like, “When did this happen?” “Who was the healthcare provider involved?” and “What treatment or procedures did you receive?” They ask these questions to get the timeline straight and understand what went wrong.
They might also ask how this mistake affected you physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re dealing with pain, extra medical bills, or even feelings like stress or depression, the lawyer needs to know. They want to see how this has changed your life.
Another thing the lawyer will want to know is if you’ve seen other doctors or gotten any treatment since the mistake. They’ll also ask for any medical records you have so they can take a closer look at your case.
Be honest
When you meet with a medical malpractice lawyer for the first time, it’s super important to be honest with them. It might feel a little awkward, especially if you’re worried some details might not make your case look great. But the lawyer is there to help you, and they can only do that if they know everything, good and bad.
Even if something feels uncomfortable or you’re unsure about a detail, just tell them. Anything you say to the lawyer is private, so they can’t share it with anyone else. The more honest and open you are, the better they can help you.
Formulate questions
It’s really important to ask a bunch of questions. You want to make sure they know their stuff and that you’re comfortable with them.
Start by asking if they’ve handled cases like yours before. You want to know if they’re experienced with medical malpractice. Then, ask how long they think your case will take. It’s important to know if this is going to be a long wait.
You should also ask about their fees. Some lawyers charge hourly, while others only get paid if you win your case. Make sure you understand how they work.
Lastly, ask how they like to keep in touch. Ask them how soon they will get back to you when you have questions. It’s good to know that they’ll be easy to reach and will keep you updated along the way.
Gather medical records
You’ll need to gather any medical records you have, like hospital records, prescriptions, test results, and any notes or messages from doctors. These help the lawyer see exactly what went wrong and how it affected you.
Also, if you missed work because of the issue, bring things like pay stubs or insurance papers to show what you’ve lost.
