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Medical malpractice cases in Syracuse involve tough legal standards, complex evidence, and difficult scientific concepts. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a capable attorney to represent you in your case. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney:
Experience with Medical Malpractice Cases
Experience counts in medical malpractice cases. Your attorney needs to understand what evidence to look for, how to present it effectively, what tactics doctors and their insurers use to dodge liability, and how to counter those tactics. Practical experience with medical malpractice cases makes a lawyer much better prepared to fight on your behalf.
Understanding of Medical Terminology
Malpractice cases involve complicated scientific concepts and medical jargon. Therefore, it helps to have a lawyer who understands the difference between a femur and a fibula, as well as how different parts of the body function. You don’t need to quiz your lawyer, but they should be able to take complex ideas and explain them to you in plain terms.
Record of Success
Lawyers sometimes talk a big game without the results to back it up. Medical malpractice cases are tough to win, and you want an attorney who knows what it takes to get you the money you need. Ask any attorney you’re considering about their overall track record and history with medical malpractice cases in particular. If they don’t have a solid record in these cases, you might want to look for a different lawyer.
Access to Expert Witnesses
New York law requires your attorney to submit a Certificate of Merit in a medical malpractice case. This document states that your lawyer has reviewed the facts of the case and spoken to at least one doctor to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Accordingly, it’s vital for your medical malpractice attorney to have access to doctors and other expert witnesses whose testimony can support your claim. Ask any lawyer you’re thinking about hiring to represent you about the doctors and other scientific experts they work with on these cases.
Communication Skills
Much of what lawyers do every day involves written or verbal communication. If your lawyer struggles to communicate with you or the other parties in your cases, their lack of communication skills could undermine your chances of recovering fair compensation. Look for an attorney who can explain legal concepts in plain English and speak and write effectively. Additionally, ask them about how they communicate with clients, how often they provide case updates, and their availability to answer your questions or concerns.
Fee Structure
It’s fair to ask a medical malpractice attorney about their fee structure, and they’ll likely expect the question. Look for a lawyer who works on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. This fee structure reduces your immediate financial burdens while helping you access capable legal representation. Working on a contingency basis also aligns your lawyer’s interest with yours, so they’ll have a strong incentive to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Personal Connection
Finally, you should choose a lawyer with whom you have a personal connection. Medical malpractice cases can take months or years, so you want to hire an attorney you’re comfortable with. Look for a lawyer who genuinely empathizes with your situation and will provide personal support along with legal guidance.
Trust Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers to Protect Your Rights
At CDH Law, our Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers proudly represent victims in their fight for justice. Our medical malpractice attorneys have decades of legal experience and know all the ins and outs of these cases. Our compassionate and dedicated team will make the legal process as painless as possible while keeping you informed every step of the way. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.