How Long Does It Take for an Attorney to Decide to Take Your Case In New York

Question: How Long Does It Take for an Attorney to Decide to Take Your Case?

Answer: It should rarely take more than 4-6 weeks for a malpractice lawyer to make a decision about your case.

What Happens During the Evaluation Process?

Initially, it may take 2-4 weeks just to get your medical records and sometimes it takes a bit longer. Once the lawyer has a set of your medical records, he should review them and send them to a physician for review. It may take another 2-3 weeks for the physician to review the medical records and discuss your case with the lawyer. In some cases, your lawyer may have a good reason why it took 4-6 weeks to evaluate your case and give you a decision whether he will accept it.

If your lawyer takes more than 6 weeks to evaluate your case, you need to find out why. Begin by asking for a meeting or phone conference with your lawyer. Ask your lawyer why he hasn’t made a decision about your case and how much longer he needs. Your lawyer might have a good explanation for the delay.

What to Do If You’re Not Getting Answers

But in many cases, your lawyer may simply be sitting on your case and doing nothing. It’s your job to make sure that doesn’t happen. If more than 4–6 weeks have passed without a decision, start calling your lawyer every two weeks for an update. Ask specific questions, such as:

• Have you received the medical records?

• Are any records missing?

• Has a physician reviewed the records?

• Have you spoken to the physician about my case?

If your lawyer doesn’t return your calls or gives vague answers, it may be time to find a new lawyer.

Get the Answers You Deserve

So, How Long Does It Take for an Attorney to Decide to Take Your Case? If you’re still waiting without clear communication, you deserve better. At Protecting Patient Rights, we take your concerns seriously and work quickly to evaluate your case with the urgency it deserves.

If you’re tired of delays and want straight answers, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.