Nobody wants to suffer at the hands of medical negligence, yet it is something that many will have to go through. When you, or someone you are responsible for, has been injured or fallen ill due to treatment received from a medical professional then you are entitled to claim compensation for medical negligence.
However, pursing a claim of medical negligence is a long and complex legal dispute, so you will need representation from medical negligence lawyer, otherwise you face a serious upwards battle to get the compensation you deserve.
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know what to look for in a medical negligence lawyer, so be sure to consider the following when looking for a solicitor:
Experience is vital
Medical negligence claims are nothing new, so you will want representation from a lawyer that is well experienced in this area. They should also have a notable track record of successful compensation claims for medical negligence.
As previously mentioned, this area of law is incredibly complex so it is highly recommended that your lawyer’s main area of practice is medical negligence law. This ensures they have the most up-to-date legal resources to help win the case and can be relied upon for honest and accurate advice and representation.
Find a Lawyer That Suits You
Never opt for a medical negligence lawyer that doesn’t suit your needs or who you don’t particularly like. This is a very emotionally trying experience, especially when recovering from a traumatic experience such as medical negligence, so you will want a lawyer that is compassionate to your personal circumstances.
Of course, if you prefer a straight-shooting style of lawyer that you think can get the best results, be sure to consider them as well. The most important thing is that the lawyer recognises and meets your needs and goals.
It’s also important to consider how suitable they are for your case based on their area of expertise. While there are medical negligence lawyers that can cover most cases, you may want to find someone that is a specialist in the area you were effected.
Funding the Claim
Lawyers understandably charge fees for their expert representation, so you will want to establish how they will be charging you.
Legal expenses insurance is a form of funding provided under various insurance packages, so if you have taken coverage that includes this then you could see your fees partially funded or completely paid for.
Conditional fee agreements are popular among most solicitors, commonly known as ‘no win no fee’ services. However, bear in mind that such an agreement will see money taken from your compensation to pay for legal fees – this may be necessary to ensure a successful claim!
Also, be mindful that the cheapest lawyer isn’t necessarily the best choice.
Who Deals with the Claim?
Be sure to consider who will actually be working the majority of your claim, as many solicitors will delegate the bulk of the work to junior lawyers rather than doing it themselves. So, bear in mind that some firms may imply that the most experienced lawyer will be working the case when in fact they are merely ‘supervising’.