Meetings With Medical Malpractice Attorney: What You Need To Know

Many people are scared to go to an attorney when they know that they have been wronged in some way.  Sometimes it is because they are nervous and don’t know what to do.  Other times they are afraid that it will cost too much.  Quite often, the person thinks that they are “stupid” or that the attorney will laugh at them for thinking that there was a valid case.

First and foremost, experienced medical malpractice attorneys always treat clients with respect and dignity.  All persons who come looking for help are listened to with care, compassion, understanding, and never taken lightly.  So never be afraid, attorneys don’t bite.

Medical malpractice attorneys will need some specific things from you, however.  First, you will need to set aside ample time to explain to the attorney the facts of your situation.  You will need to name all of the doctor’s that treated you, as well as the places at which you received treatment.  Not for all of your past medical needs, but at least in regard to the injury about which you are now concerned.  Never hold back information out of fear that it isn’t important; the attorney can separate the important from the tangential.

You will also need to give the attorney access to your medical records.  Many people are scared to do this because of the personal nature of such information.  Be advised now that your personal medical information is kept confidential and will only be disclosed to the extent necessary in order to present your case to the judge and jury.  Moreover, only the information relevant to your claim will be considered; meaning that all or your medical history will not be held out in front of the court.

Therefore, you will need to sign release of information forms allowing your attorney access to those records.  You will also need to give the attorney your financial information.  This is needed so that your lost income can be calculated.  More than just paystubs will be needed; a release allowing the attorney to talk to your employer could be needed so as to truly understand the value of your past and future services.  Moreover, talking to your employer will help the jury understand how you cannot perform the job that which you were once proficient in doing.

Your basic identifying documents should also be brought to your first meeting as well; driver’s license, no-driver ID, social security card, birth certificate, etc.

In regard to cost, perhaps the biggest client fear; our attorneys typically charge a contingent fee.  This means that we only get paid if you receive compensation from the jury.

But what do you think?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com.  You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.