How Do I Find The Right Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Reacting to a TV ad or a billboard might connect you with a lawyer willing to take your case. However, medical malpractice cases are complex, and selecting the right attorney is crucial. It can mean the difference between a dismissed claim and a life-changing settlement or verdict.

What To Look For In A Medical Malpractice Attorney

Here’s how to find a qualified malpractice attorney and what to look for to protect your rights and maximize your chances of success.

Act Quickly – Understand the Statute of Limitations

Before even choosing an attorney, it’s important to know there’s a clock ticking. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

There are exceptions. For example:

• Minors have until their 20th birthday to file.
• Certain cases involving fraud or concealment may extend the window.

A qualified attorney will immediately assess whether your case is still within the allowable timeframe and act quickly to preserve your rights.

Ask for Referrals and References

One of the best ways to begin your search is by asking for referrals from trusted sources. If you already work with an attorney on other legal matters, they may be able to recommend a reputable medical malpractice lawyer. Friends, family, or colleagues may also have recommendations.

Once you’ve identified potential attorneys, ask for client references. Speaking to former clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s communication style, case handling, and results.

Find a Lawyer Who Has Handled Similar Cases

Medical malpractice isn’t a one-size-fits-all field. You want an attorney who has experience with cases similar to yours, whether it’s a surgical error, misdiagnosis, birth injury, or anesthesia complication.

Some questions to ask:

• How long have you been handling medical malpractice cases?
• What percentage of your caseload involves malpractice?
• Have you tried cases like mine, and what were the results?
• Do you have verdicts or settlements you can share?

A strong attorney will not only have handled similar cases but will also have a proven track record of successful outcomes.

Ask About Medical Knowledge and Expert Resources

Understanding complex medical issues is a key part of building a strong malpractice case. The best firms employ or regularly work with in-house medical doctors, nurse consultants, or expert witnesses who can determine the standard of care and whether it was violated.

At Ross Feller Casey, for example, we have a team of nationally recognized physicians on staff, including three who are also attorneys. That means our clients benefit from deep medical knowledge from the start, without waiting for outside opinions.

If your lawyer doesn’t have this kind of support, be sure they have access to respected expert witnesses who are willing to testify on your behalf.

Understand How They Handle Medical Records and Discovery

Medical malpractice lawsuits involve extensive volumes of complex documentation, including hospital records, doctors’ notes, imaging results, peer reviews, timelines of care, depositions, and other relevant materials.

Your attorney should be skilled in organizing this data into a clear, compelling case. Ask how they will work with medical experts to connect the dots. They will need to analyze medical records, develop a medical chronology, and identify when and how the malpractice occurred.

The ability to present complex information in a way that’s easy for judges and juries to understand is a critical skill, and it sets apart exceptional malpractice attorneys.

Ask About Trial Experience

Many medical malpractice claims are settled out of court. But not all should be.

Insurance companies track which lawyers are likely to go to trial and which ones settle to avoid litigation. If your attorney doesn’t have courtroom experience, you may be at a disadvantage during negotiations.

Ask these questions:

• How many malpractice cases have you tried in court?
• What were the outcomes?
• Are you prepared to litigate if a fair settlement isn’t offered?

You want a lawyer who can negotiate effectively and fight aggressively when needed.

Clarify Fee Structures and Costs

Most medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. However, it’s important to understand the details:

• What percentage of the award will the lawyer take?
• Are court costs and expert witness fees deducted before or after the lawyer’s cut?
• Are there any upfront costs you might be responsible for?

The best firms will explain all of this clearly so you aren’t caught off guard by hidden fees later.

Make Sure You’re Comfortable with Communication

Medical malpractice cases can take months or even years to resolve. During that time, it’s essential to have clear, open lines of communication.

Ask:

• Who will be working on my case day to day?
• Will I be updated regularly?
• Who do I call when I have questions — my attorney or a staff member?
• How responsive is the firm to emails or phone calls?

Trust your instincts. You want an attorney who treats you with respect, listens carefully, and keeps you in the loop every step of the way.

Why Ross Feller Casey Is The Right Choice For Your Malpractice Claim

Hiring the right medical malpractice attorney means selecting someone with the right experience, medical expertise, and a commitment to achieving results.

At Ross Feller Casey:

• We have a team of nationally recognized trial lawyers.
• Our in-house medical staff includes five top physicians, three of whom are also attorneys.
• We’ve secured well over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements for our individual clients.
• We handle cases on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win.

If you believe you or a loved one was harmed due to medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.