A medical malpractice occurs when one incur a needless pain or additional injury due to the carelessness of a physician, medical institution or else other psychological professional. Malpractice cases are very complex and difficult to prove and hence require you to choose the best qualified and experienced lawyer in the country. It is crucial to know how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer to pursue your case so that you can get comfortable with him as well as feel reassured that he knows what he is doing and will give you the best results. Below are 7 tips on choosing the right medical malpractice lawyer:
1. Recommendations
You probably know a lawyer in a city where you once lived or maybe a lawyer who is employed in a famous corporation lived just the next street. These lawyers are in a better position to refer you to the most experienced and qualified medical malpractice lawyer. You can also find out from your employer, colleagues and friends if they know a qualified lawyer who can handle your case. Moreover, business owners as well as professionals like doctors, bankers, teachers, ministers and social workers can refer you to an experienced lawyer. However, before you choose the lawyer to deal with your case, you should do what we call comparison shopping. This involves making a list of a number of lawyers and then calling every lawyer so as to ask him questions which may help you make the right decision.
If it is possible, it is important to meet with the lawyers briefly in person. You should ask the lawyer about his experience as well as when he last dealt with such a case. You also need to ask if he can meet you once at no fee before you make the hiring decision. Also to inquire about it how much fee the lawyer charges for consultation if there is such a fee. Normally, don’t expect a lengthy first consultation, 15-30 minutes is average. You should note down all the lawyer has to say and think about it carefully before making another appointment with a lawyer who appears right for you. It is important to note that the age of the lawyer plays no part in determining the ability of the lawyer to help you. A lawyer who has just practiced for 3 years may be more experienced to handle your kind of problem than a lawyer who has been practicing for more than 10 years. In addition, it is crucial to find out if the bar has ever publicly disciplined the lawyer by checking the Singapore bar’s website. You should also be careful of lawyers who guarantee results as you cannot be sure of the outcome of most lawsuits.
2. Approved lawyer referral services
You can use approved lawyer referral services to help you choose the right lawyer. This kind of service refers prospective customers to lawyers. The referral service personnel will be able to match you with the best qualified lawyer who can deal with your case after interviewing you. Usually, you will be charged a small fee for consultation.
3. Advertisements and joint advertising groups
You can also look for lawyers in the Yellow Pages, Internet or newspaper advertisements. Many lawyers find it appropriate to list their names, mobile numbers and addresses in the yellow Pages rather than advertise themselves. However, they are permitted to market themselves in the newspapers, magazines, Yellow pages or on television, radio, billboards and internet among other provided that the advertisement does not include misleading or false information. Lawyers use advertisement to name their area of specialization and hence it is easier to find a medical malpractice lawyer using this method. Moreover, they post their fees, making it simple for you to choose the one you can afford. You should keep the advertisement for reference in case you choose to contact a lawyer featured in it. You should take noted for reference in case the advertisement was broadcasted on the television or radio. At times lawyers come together to form a group so as to market their services. Mostly, a group of attorneys will share a website.
4. Public interest groups
Public interest organization whose main aim is not to make profit can help you choose the right medical malpractice lawyer. These organizations may include those concerned with protection of human rights and dignity and hence they may have staff lawyers who can handle a medical malpractice case. To identify such a group, you can try contacting bar association, government agency or an authorized lawyer referral service.
5. Client-lawyer matching services
Usually, you need to post a brief explanation of your case on the website of the organization providing the service so as to find the right lawyer through this service. The service’s lawyer members can then bid on your case by offering a consultation. At the end, you are the one to choose the lawyer that best fit your situation.
6. Free legal aid agencies and dispute resolution programs
In case you cannot be able to afford a lawyer, you can be able to obtain free or else cheap legal aid in medical malpractice cases from a lawful service agency. You should look in the white pages of the telephone book of Singapore so as to find such an organization that is situated in your region. A local bar association or approved certified referral service can refer you to a lawful services agency. In case you fail to get free legal aid, there is no need to worry as the judge will typically select a private lawyer to represent you without any charge. Most societies have dispute resolution programs that may help you solve the problem without going for trial.
7. Prepaid Legal services plans
If you are a member of a certain legal insurance plan through your labor union , employer, credit card company or as an individual, it may cover they type of legal help that you require in the same way medical insurance plans caters for specific medical costs. Usually, the payments you make entitle you to a specific range of the lawyer’s services or time at a reduced percentage.