(845) 802-0047Even compared to other forms of personal injury litigation, medical malpractice claims are uniquely complex in both procedural and practical terms. While retaining legal counsel can often boost your chances of achieving a positive resolution to a personal injury case, having professional representation is necessary to even successfully file suit over medical malpractice.
Hiring an Albany medical malpractice attorney is a crucial early step in the litigation process, regardless of what type of malpractice you experienced or the specific injuries and losses you sustained. During a private initial meeting, a dedicated and qualified lawyer could make sure you understand all of your options and help you begin the lengthy process of pursuing fair restitution for the harm done to you.
When to Retain Legal Counsel for a Malpractice Claim
Like other types of personal injury claims, medical malpractice lawsuits are subject to a filing deadline set by a statute of limitations. The specific deadline applicable to most cases of doctor or healthcare provider’s misconduct is 30 months after the injury in question. Limited exceptions to this rule apply for individuals hurt by surgeons leaving foreign objects inside their body during a procedure and individuals harmed due to negligent misdiagnosis of or failure to diagnose cancer.
Due to these deadlines, it is generally best for anyone in Albany who suspects they suffered harm from medical malpractice to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later about their legal options. It is worth noting that it is sometimes possible to resolve issues like this through methods that do not involve court litigation, such as private settlement negotiations with the defendant facility or physician, or complaints with the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct.
If none of these options produce satisfactory results, it may be time to hire professional legal counsel and begin the litigation process. If retained earlier on, a malpractice lawyer could also help an injured individual pursue these out-of-court options more efficiently and potentially increase their chances of getting a positive outcome from them.
Preparing for an Initial Consultation
Before agreeing to hire a medical malpractice attorney in Albany, it can be beneficial for a prospective plaintiff to prepare in advance for their first meeting with that legal professional. Although legal counsel could provide substantial assistance with tracking down and preserving documentation related to an instance of malpractice, collecting as much information and evidence as possible prior to an initial consultation can streamline the litigation process. This then allows for a much more productive and informative meeting.
It is also wise to have questions prepared for the attorney about what experience they have with particular grounds for malpractice cases. For example, do they have experience with misdiagnosis, mistakes during surgery, and medication errors? This kind of preparation can be crucial to selecting the right lawyer to provide the best possible assistance for a plaintiff’s unique situation.
Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Albany for Your Case
No two law firms and no two attorneys are exactly alike, and what works for another person’s case might not be the ideal approach for yours. However, if you do your research and hire a capable medical malpractice attorney in Albany, you can be sure that your legal representative will work tenaciously on your behalf to ensure the best possible resolution for your claim.
Virtually every successful case begins with an initial consultation and a discussion of possibilities and preferences in a confidential setting. Call today to schedule your meeting.