Read Bio
Since 1979, Dov Apfel has been passionate about advocating for birth injury and medical malpractice victims. Mr. Apfel’s career-long record of achievements in birth injury litigation, education, and advocacy has been recognized by the Executive Board of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. His expertise is demonstrated by his numerous awards, presentations on birth injury topics at legal conferences for organizations like the AAJ and ATLA, and articles published by Trial Magazine and many others.
Read Bio
Since 1979, Dov Apfel has been passionate about advocating for birth injury and medical malpractice victims. Mr. Apfel’s career-long record of achievements in birth injury litigation, education, and advocacy has been recognized by the Executive Board of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. His expertise is demonstrated by his numerous awards, presentations on birth injury topics at legal conferences for organizations like the AAJ and ATLA, and articles published by Trial Magazine and many others.
Key Takeaways
Many patients with suspicions that they’ve been harmed by medical negligence can feel paralyzed when thinking of what to do next. Figuring out how to begin building your case or looking for the right lawyer can seem complex and overwhelming, but the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Levin & Perconti are here to help.
This guide will walk you through how to look for a medical negligence lawyer, how to compare different candidates, and how to confidently choose the right attorney for your case.
Where Can I Find a Medical Negligence Lawyer?
If you don’t know where to start looking for a medical negligence lawyer, there are many services available in Chicago and throughout Illinois for finding established law firms and researching their accolades. Some websites and resources you can use are:
- The Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Finder tool
- The Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Illinois Legal Aid’s website
- The free CARPLS Cook County Legal Hotline
- Trusted public lawyer registries like Avvo, Justia, and FindLaw
- Recommendations from friends, family, and peers
It’s important to compare multiple attorneys to determine which lawyer best fits your case and personal needs. You can also use the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission search tool to review any previous complaints or disciplinary actions on a lawyer’s record.
How Do I Choose the Right Medical Negligence Lawyer?
When looking for a medical negligence attorney, look for the following traits and compare them from firm to firm:
- Experience handling medical negligence and malpractice claims
- Track record of handling local cases and demonstrating familiarity with Illinois law
- Access and connections with medical experts
- Trial readiness and history of successful verdicts
- Reputation for open, clear communication
- Transparent fee structures
A lawyer who specializes in medical negligence claims will have more focused experience and knowledge than a general personal injury lawyer, giving them a better position to handle your case effectively and efficiently.
What Questions Should I Ask During My Consultation?
When sitting down with a lawyer for your initial consultation, you should ask any questions that come to mind. This is your opportunity to seek reassurance for any part of your case or the legal process that makes you anxious or uncertain. To cover all of your bases, consider asking some of the following questions:
- Do you think I have a valid claim for medical negligence?
- Have you handled a similar claim before? Do you think you’ll be able to find everything you need to prove mine?
- How long do you think my case will take to resolve?
- What damages can I potentially receive, and how much might my claims be worth?
- Who at the firm will handle my case? Will I be able to contact them whenever I need them?
- What fee structure do you operate on? Will I owe you anything upfront?
- What will happen next if we move forward together? What are my next steps?
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting With My Lawyer?
You don’t need to have every piece of evidence or information related to your case ready for your initial consultation. During their investigation, your lawyer will gather any records, documents, or other supporting evidence necessary to support your case.
Bringing any of the following pieces of evidence, however, can help your attorney accurately evaluate the strength of your claims and give them a head start on building your case:
- A timeline of events based on your personal notes
- Any medical records you have access to
- Information on your healthcare providers
- Insurance information
- A list of questions you have for your attorney
- Any other documents or information you think could be helpful
What if the Lawyer Doesn't Take My Case?
While being turned down by an attorney is disappointing and concerning, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a potentially valid claim.
Medical negligence cases are complex, often requiring a detailed review of relevant records and a medical expert evaluation before a lawyer will be confident in moving forward. Different firms have different processes for assessing cases, so another attorney may decide to move forward with your claim even after another decides to pass on it.
Reach Out to Our Chicago Medical Negligence Lawyers Today
At Levin & Perconti, we have over 400 years of combined experience fighting to get justice for injury victims like you. Our trusted medical negligence attorneys are ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and support you through every step of the legal process. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today to schedule your free consultation.
