How do I find a lawyer in my area that won't charge me my first born?

[lamarr3]

A lawyer for medical malpractice

[yehudi]

Your #1 concern is to make sure the medical bills get paid.

THE best way to find a lawyer is by word of mouth. Ask your: family, friends, coworkers, anyone you might know in the same situation, etc.

OR

Call your local (usually county) bar association. Ask for names of attorneys that handle Medical Malpractice matters. (If money is a BIG problem, you could also ask for the phone number of your local LegalAid office. - the attorneys at LegalAid are "real" attorneys, but sometimes in the field of Law, how much you are willing to pay does affect the quality you get.)

When you call the law office(s), insist on speaking with the Lawyer. Just tell the Secretary the main idea of your matter - do not tell all the little details of your matter to the Secretary - save the details for the Attorney. When you get the Lawyer on the phone line, ask him/her:

- Do they give >>>FREE, initial consultations for the FIRST meeting? (most do, but not all - you have to ask, don't assume)
- How much do they charge?
- Could you make payments on your account? (Usually personal injury matters are paid AT THE END, on a "contingency" (percentage) basis.)
- Can they help you? OR Refer you to someone who can help you?

And be patient - medical malpractice cases can take 1 - 2 years or longer, sometimes.

Don't sign ANYTHING until you have consulted with an Attorney FIRST!!!

My guess is about 10% of medical malpractice matters end up in Court. BUT, when you go to a law office for a case, the attorney will immediately start preparing the matter as if it IS going to go to Court. Because they don't know for sure. So they start preparing the documents, etc. as though the case will go to Court.

This is very similar to a chess game - but this "game" is played out by the two sides involved in the matter. I have seen MANY medical malpractice cases get settled the day before the matter was scheduled for Court It is usually resolved by the attorneys playing out their chess moves.

I assure you, if I was injured in a medical malpractice matter, I would get an attorney to settle my case. But, then, I have worked with attorneys that do Medical Malpractice matters - and I know how hard they work.

One thing I want to make you aware of: When someone has been involved in a medical malpratice matter, a "clock" starts ticking. If you wait too long, nothing will be able to be done for you. My suggestion is to call a lawyer asap.

DON'T SIGN ANYTHING without consulting with an attorney first! Those insurance companies will try to trick you - beware.

Sometimes, medical malpractice matters DO take years to resolve. Ask your attorney how long it will take.

Good luck to you.




(This is based on my knowledge, information, belief, and life experiences. This was intended as personal opinion, and not intended to be used as legal advice. Seeking advice over the Internet is not a good idea - the field of Law is too complex for that. Please be careful and do your research.)