If you’ve been hurt by a medical professional’s negligence, speaking with a legal professional is your first step toward recovery. Fortunately, many New Jersey lawyers are happy to meet with potential clients to discuss a possible malpractice claim—completely free of charge. In this blog post, we’ll walk through what you need to know before attending a medical malpractice free consultation. We’ll outline what a legal consultation involves, what to bring, and how to make the most of your meeting.
What to Expect in a Medical Malpractice Free Consultation
A legal consultation aims to analyze the basic facts of your case and help determine whether you have a legitimate medical malpractice claim. An attorney will want to know all about your injuries and experience with the healthcare provider. They may also ask you questions about your medical history.
You’re not obligated to commit to anything at the end of a consultation. In many cases, people decide not to pursue a claim at all. Sometimes, you might need time to think or to meet with a different lawyer.
What to Do Before Your Medical Malpractice Consultation
Before you meet with a medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation, you should take several basic steps to prepare.
Summarize the Facts of Your Case
Writing down a basic summary of your situation is one of the most helpful things you can do before your consultation. Think of this as telling the story of your case. What prompted you to seek treatment from this medical provider? Describe what happened during your first encounter with them in as much detail as possible, including when and where it occurred. How did they treat your condition, and what did they say about it? Do the same for any follow-up encounters.
Next, focus on your injury. When did you first know that something was wrong? What were your symptoms? How did the healthcare provider respond? Did they order any tests or offer a diagnosis?
Finally, describe how the provider’s negligence has affected your life. Has your injury impacted your ability to work or earn your regular rate of income? What is the cost of your current treatment? Do you suffer any emotional or psychological burdens because of your injury?
It’s okay if you don’t remember all the exact details at this point. What’s important is establishing a timeline of the most essential facts and events. Medical records and follow-up investigations can always fill in the gaps later.
Gather Relevant Documentation
Make copies of any documents related to your case and bring them to your consultation. This can include:
- Medical records, X-rays, specialist reports, and prescriptions;
- Names and contact information of all medical professionals you saw;
- Medical bills and health insurance statements;
- Notes, reports, or correspondence between you and any medical providers;
- Pay stubs or tax records showing lost income;
- The name, contact information, and policy number for your health insurer, and
- Any letters or messages you’ve received from insurance companies.
If any other communications or documents are potentially relevant to your case, take them with you as well.
Make a List of Questions
You shouldn’t be doing all the talking at this meeting. This is your chance to learn more from your potential representative. Some valuable questions for your attorney could include:
- What is your experience with medical malpractice cases like mine? Learn how many malpractice cases they’ve taken in the past five years. How often have they worked cases with your specific type of injury (e.g., misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, nursing home negligence, birth injuries, etc.)? What were the outcomes?
- What are your rates? Do they require payment upfront or on contingency (you only pay if you win)? Are there any other potential costs?
- Do you have time for my case? Does this person have a full caseload, or will they have the time and energy to give to you? How often are they available to meet?
- What can I expect throughout the legal process? Ask anything else you want to know about your case, including potential weaknesses, potential settlement amounts, or the estimated time to a resolution.
Remember, this is your chance to assess your potential legal representative. A lawyer who seems skilled and knowledgeable on paper may not be a good fit for your case in real life. Medical malpractice cases often involve discussing intimate details of your life and medical history. Finding an attorney you trust and feel comfortable speaking to is essential. Watch out for attorneys who seem bored, uninterested, or pushy during your consultation. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut.
Compassionate and Dedicated Medical Malpractice Advocates
At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC, we understand that taking legal action against a medical professional can be daunting. Malpractice cases involve complex medical and legal issues that can overwhelm you. That’s why having one of our seasoned medical malpractice attorneys evaluate your situation is crucial. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our firm has the deep legal knowledge and strategic insights to make a difference in the lives of New Jersey residents hurt by careless medical providers. Our attorneys have won record-setting verdicts/settlements for victims of medical malpractice in the state, and we’re ready to fight for you. However, don’t wait too long to reach out—the deadline for taking legal action for medical malpractice in New Jersey is only two years.
Don’t wait to get the help you need: contact us for a free consultation online or by calling our office.
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