How do I Choose the Best Medical Malpractice Attorney?
Knowing how to choose a medical malpractice attorney can substantially improve the results of your legal claim when a negligent health care provider harms you or your loved one. The best medical malpractice lawyers in Illinois have significant financial resources, a network of trusted expert witnesses, and a proven track record of experience litigating medical malpractice cases like yours.
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Traits and Characteristics of the Best Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Illinois
Medical malpractice claims are among the most complex personal injury cases to pursue because you must take on large health care corporations and insurance companies. Not every personal injury attorney is qualified to handle a medical malpractice claim. Qualified medical malpractice lawyers have the following characteristics:
- Medical malpractice experience
- A large network of experts
- Significant financial resources
- No upfront costs
- A solid reputation
- Comfort level
Medical Malpractice Experience
Choose an attorney with extensive experience at every stage of medical malpractice claims. For example, your attorney must request your medical records from the same providers you are suing. Knowing they are facing a lawsuit could motivate medical malpractice defendants to stall, omit records, or refuse to provide them. A qualified medical malpractice lawyer knows how to deal with medical malpractice insurance companies and overcome these tactics.
Your Illinois medical malpractice lawyer should have years of experience handling and trying medical malpractice cases similar to yours. Most medical malpractice cases settle, but not all do. You could be at a significant disadvantage if settlement negotiations fall apart and your attorney lacks medical malpractice trial experience.
Experienced attorneys will have established relationships with the local legal community, including judges, defense attorneys, representatives of healthcare organizations, and insurance adjusters. This gives your attorney a leg up when it comes time to have important conversations with your case’s key players.
Network of Resources
Qualified medical malpractice lawyers have thorough medical knowledge and familiarity with the terminology, but this alone is insufficient in medical malpractice claims. Choose an attorney who has built a large network of trusted experts who can analyze your records and testify in court. These experts may include the following:
- Medical experts
- Scientists
- Life care planners
- Vocational specialists
- Financial experts
- Economists
Your attorney’s network should include experts who have already been tested and survived the trial process in case the defense attempts to discredit them.
Financial Resources
Medical malpractice defendants and their insurers have significant means to invest in experts, testing, and other forms of evidence. You need an attorney with the financial resources to gather the same caliber of evidence and present a case that is at least as scientifically compelling as the defendants. This process requires a significant investment of financial resources for consultants, expert witnesses, case investigation, and filing costs.
No Upfront Costs for You
The financial cost of pursuing a lawsuit could present a barrier to justice for medical malpractice victims. Medical malpractice lawyers in Illinois generally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if the attorney successfully resolves your claim. However, attorney fees are only part of the cost of litigation. There are also court costs and costs associated with investigating your case. Ask the attorney if you will be responsible for these costs.
A Solid Reputation
The most important measures of a great medical malpractice lawyer are your lawyer’s reputation and trustworthiness.
- What reviews has the lawyer received on independent websites and Google?
- Has the attorney won any state or national awards?
- What case results has the attorney obtained?
- Has the attorney ever made headlines?
You can often find a list of case results on a law firm’s website. The website may also list awards and recognition the law firm has won. Also, do a Google search to read any online reviews.
Verify the attorney is licensed and in good standing. To do so, visit the Illinois Lawyer Finder on the Illinois State Bar Association’s website.
In addition, you can view information about state and national awards and recognition by looking up the attorney’s name on various websites that recognize top lawyers, such as the following:
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America
- National Trial Lawyers Association
- Lawdragon 500
Most of these organizations have strict selection criteria and only recognize lawyers within the state’s top five percent.
Comfort Level
The best medical malpractice lawyers have an open-door policy that makes it easy to reach your legal team when you have questions. They can explain your claim in plain language and always tell you the truth, even when it isn’t what you want to hear.
It is important to choose an attorney who makes you feel comfortable. Medical malpractice cases typically involve clients spending significant time with their attorneys and confiding very personal information. Your attorney must know as much as possible to secure the best possible outcome. Thus, feeling comfortable enough to share everything is crucial.
What Should a Good Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Offer to You?
A good Chicago medical malpractice attorney should offer a free, confidential case evaluation with an honest explanation of the challenges and potential outcomes. Once hired, your medical malpractice attorney should handle all of the details for you, including the following:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Retrieving your medical records
- Dealing with the insurance company
- Negotiating a settlement
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
Your lawyer should also provide you with the support you need while coping with the effects of medical malpractice. Such service includes keeping you informed throughout your case, answering your calls, offering to help you find quality medical care, and being there for you when you need to talk.
Testimonials
Not only were they so professional but also so caring and thoughtful. It was very difficult going over the facts in our mother's case but they were so compassionate and understanding and allowed us to be with them every step of the way. We were able to sit in on the depositions and we were really able to see how hard they worked on our behalf.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Perconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude.
They were most patient and responded timely to many questions throughout the entire process. All demonstrated professionalism and extensive knowledge of case and state laws. Their in-depth investigative work uncovered details which were unknown to us and yet sadly confirmed our suspicions. We would recommend the Levin and Perconti Law firm and especially this team.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Peconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude. My family and I will always be grateful for the compassion that they showed us. I want to thank you for what you did for my family, and for always being there for us.
Margaret’s representation, guidance, and professionalism gave us the sense that we could put our trust in Levin & Perconti and the final outcome proved that to be true.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you are still wondering how to choose a medical malpractice attorney, consider scheduling an appointment with us. Our skilled and compassionate attorneys have more than 400 years of combined experience representing medical malpractice victims and have recovered numerous record-setting verdicts in cases involving nursing home abuse, birth injury, cancer misdiagnosis, and other forms of medical malpractice.
Since 1992, we have recovered more than two billion dollars in settlements and verdicts, and our cases regularly make headlines. Call us today at (312) 332-2872 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Legally Reviewed by
Michael F. Bonamarte, IV
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Notable Results
SETTLEMENT
child who suffered a catastrophic hypoxic-ischemic brain injury as a result of a negligent neonatal resuscitation and intubation
SETTLEMENT
for a former police officer who suffered a life-altering brain injury due to nursing staff negligence at a Chicago hospital
VERDICT
on behalf of a family whose mother died of lung cancer in 2015 as a result of a failure to diagnose
FAQs
- How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take?
- How Do I Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
- How Do I Choose the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
- How Do I Know If I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
- How Much Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Cost?
- Can You Sue a Doctor for Negligence?
- Can You Sue a Hospital for Emotional Distres?
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