How To Find the Best Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice is more common than most people think. Recent studies show that medical errors may account for more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Atlanta, GA, seek legal help. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can explain your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Tips for Finding the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Atlanta
Medical malpractice cases often arise out of complex circumstances. The complexity, combined with tort laws and tort reform, can make it difficult for victims to get the compensation they deserve.
A good medical malpractice attorney understands how to navigate this process and get results for clients. To get the best outcome, victims need a skilled attorney who understands Georgia tort law and has experience with similar cases.
Finding a lawyer who is a good fit can be difficult. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process.
Ask for Referrals
A trusted referral is one of the best ways to find a good medical malpractice lawyer. If you have worked with lawyers before – for example, a real estate lawyer, a divorce attorney, or an estate planning lawyer – you can ask them for a referral.
If not, reach out to any family or friends who have dealt with medical malpractice lawyers or who have a trusted attorney you can talk to.
It’s ideal to create a list of a few lawyers that you can talk to, so getting referrals is a good first step.
Do Plenty of Research
Once you get referrals, you can research those lawyers to see whether they’re a good fit for your case. Read about their experience, the types of cases they deal with, and their results. You should also read reviews and client testimonials, as these will tell you a lot.
If you want additional names, check out professional networks – for example, the Georgia Bar Association or legal directories such as Avvo and Justia – for additional referrals. Make sure that you’re familiar with the specialty area, reviews, and experience of all lawyers on your shortlist.
For example, Adam Malone, an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer, is an active member in good standing and has been licensed for 24 years. You can find this information on his Avvo profile.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Almost all attorneys offer a free initial consultation. Once you have a short list of Atlanta attorneys who might be a good fit for your case, you should schedule a free consultation with each of them. During this consultation, you’ll want to evaluate their legal skills and determine whether they’re someone you want to work with.
Here are some questions to ask during this consultation:
- How does the lawyer charge clients? Most medical malpractice attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if your case is successful. It’s important to understand their fee structure and their policy for case expenses. For example, will costs like court fees, court reporters, and expert witnesses be billed to you regardless of whether or not you win the case? You should specifically ask about fee structure, contingency fee percentages, and case expenses.
- Who will handle your case? At some larger law firms, you’ll meet with a partner, but a newer associate will handle your case. It’s important to understand who will be handling your case and how many lawyers will be working on your case.
- How will you get case updates? Medical malpractice cases can be long and sometimes move slowly. Communication and case updates are a common source of frustration between attorneys and clients. To avoid that frustration, ask how you will get case updates, how frequently you will get case updates, and who you will contact with questions. It can be helpful to ask if there is an assistant or paralegal who you can contact in addition to the lead attorney.
- Ask for the lawyer’s opinion of your case. You will learn a lot from hearing what an attorney thinks about a case – including strong points and weak points. This analysis should include a general strategy and plan for getting you the compensation you deserve. The lawyer’s initial analysis of your case should give you a sense of their experience and expertise with your type of case.
Asking these questions (and any others you may have) can help you get important insights into what working with the lawyer might look like.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been a victim of medical negligence in Atlanta, an attorney can help you navigate a complex process and get compensation for all of your losses. Finding the right lawyer will improve your experience and lead to better results.