How Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help My Claim?

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Washington, DC

At Regan Zambri Long, our expert medical malpractice lawyers have successfully litigated hundreds of cases. How? By understanding the fundamental basis of each case: a negligent doctor caused a patient harm and owes them fair compensation for their injuries. It’s as simple as that.

A Regan Zambri Long medical malpractice attorney will review your case, answer your questions, and lay out your legal options during a free consultation. We will take over the entire medical negligence claim, from filing the paperwork to organizing an independent investigation. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call the Regan Zambri Long medical malpractice attorneys today to get the process started.

When Is Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Necessary?

If you suffered an injury or an illness worsened due to a healthcare professional’s negligence, you will need a medical malpractice lawyer. Contact an attorney immediately if you think you have a valid claim against a healthcare provider or facility. Let’s break down the reasons why.

The first thing to consider is the concept of medical negligence. The fact is, medical errors happen and are (sometimes) unavoidable. Medicine is a complicated science practiced by humans. Even the best medical providers make mistakes, and unforeseen complications will  arise. Let’s look at an example of a medical mistake that would not give an injured patient a valid legal claim against a medical care provider:

A patient has an allergy to penicillin but doesn’t mention it to the doctor, and the allergy is not listed on the patient’s chart. The doctor prescribes the patient amoxicillin, which triggers an allergic reaction. In this case, the doctor who prescribed the medication had no way of knowing about the allergy, so the patient’s allergic reaction was not due to medical negligence. 

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider falls below the expected standard of care and causes a medical injury. It’s not a simple human error. It differs from what another qualified medical professional would have done in a similar circumstance. To understand the difference, here is an example of clear medical negligence:

A patient comes into the emergency room experiencing classic heart attack symptoms. Tired from a long shift, the doctor does not order an EKG or additional scans of the patient. He diagnoses the patient with anxiety and sends her home. A few hours later, the patient returns to the emergency room in full cardiac arrest. In this case, if the doctor hadn’t acted negligently and dismissed the patient without the due diligence of ordering testing, she may never have gone into cardiac arrest. 

When you meet with a medical malpractice attorney for a consultation, she can tell you the difference between a genuine mistake and a negligent error.

Establishing the elements of negligence

In personal injury law, each plaintiff must prove four elements of negligence. If your situation reflects any of these elements, you have a valid claim for medical malpractice and should hire a lawyer as soon as possible.

• Duty: You and the healthcare provider had a professional doctor/patient relationship. That relationship obligated the doctor to provide care that meets a reasonable standard.
• Breach of Duty: The doctor breached their duty to you by acting negligently while providing you care. Negligent acts could include failing to order testing, delaying a diagnosis, misdiagnosing, surgical errors, and more.
• Causation: Your injuries or illness were directly caused by the doctor’s negligent error.
• Damages: You suffered financial losses and life disruptions due to the healthcare provider’s negligence.

The good news is that most personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations. They will assess your situation and give you an honest opinion if they think you have a valid medical malpractice claim.

Medical malpractice lawyers will take over your claim so you can focus on your recovery instead of a lawsuit. Your lawyer will investigate your claim, build a rock-solid case, negotiate on your behalf, and take your claim to court if necessary.

• In your initial meeting, a medical malpractice lawyer will help determine if you have a valid claim against the healthcare provider.
• Going back and forth with the insurance company is time-consuming and could potentially harm your case if you say the wrong thing. A medical malpractice attorney will handle all the correspondence with the insurance company and the insurance adjuster.
• Each state has a time limit for filing a medical malpractice claim, known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file a lawsuit on time, you will forfeit your right to compensation. A medical malpractice lawyer will ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the time restriction of the statute of limitations.
• Your lawyer will act as your legal expert and guide on local, state, and federal laws about medical malpractice litigation and the legal process.  They will provide expertise on insurance company policies, practices, and local court systems.
• A medical malpractice attorney will hire medical experts, investigators, and other legal minds to help build your case.
• While most cases settle out of court, there is a chance negotiations with the insurance company will not reach a fair settlement. If that happens, your medical malpractice attorney will take your claim to court and present your case to a judge or jury to obtain a verdict in your favor.

How long does a medical malpractice lawsuit take?

A medical malpractice claim can take a few months to several years to complete. The more complex the case, the longer it will take to settle.

At Regan Zambri Long, our medical malpractice attorneys deeply understand that you and your family want to put this awful experience behind you as quickly as possible. That’s why we work around the clock to settle your claim efficiently and successfully.

How Do I Find the Best Medical Negligence Lawyer Near Me?

Finding the right medical malpractice lawyer – one who makes you feel comfortable, safe, and protected – is of the utmost importance. Going through the process of a medical malpractice lawsuit is stressful. You want a lawyer to lean on for support and trust with your financial future.

The best way to find a trustworthy lawyer is by asking your friends and family for referrals. If you have a relationship with a business lawyer or a family lawyer, ask them to recommend a medical malpractice attorney personally.

Most personal injury law firms have testimonial pages on their website. Browse past clients’ testimonials to learn about their personal experiences with the lawyers at the firm.

Remember, there are three key qualities to look for in a medical malpractice attorney:

• Success: Make sure the personal injury attorneys you work with have a proven track record of success in similar cases involving medical malpractice victims. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their success rate and how many medical malpractice claims they have taken on.
• Trustworthiness: During the claims process, you’ll need to provide your lawyer with personal information, including medical history and how the injury affects your everyday life (physically and emotionally).  Work with a compassionate, understanding lawyer whose primary interest is your well-being.
• Contingency Fees: Finally, work with a law firm that operates on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee structure is one where the client doesn’t pay a fee upfront. Medical malpractice lawyers only collect a fee if they win a settlement or verdict in their client’s favor. This type of fee structure incentivizes the lawyers to build a winning case for their client, and allowing the client to focus on healing rather than trying to come up with the money to pay for legal fees.

Why You Need a Medical Negligence Lawyer from Regan Zambri Long

Facing a medical malpractice case can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and life changes. Hiring an experienced medical malpractice attorney early in the process will take the weight of the lawsuit off your shoulders. They will act as your legal champion who will be in your corner, fighting for you every step of the way. Their guidance will significantly increase your chances of securing the highest compensation possible.

Regan Zambri Long, medical malpractice lawyers, are here to help. Our team is comprised of leading attorneys, including partner Jacqueline Colclough, a trained nurse. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your options and get your claim started.