Medical errors are a shockingly common occurrence. According to a landmark study conducted in 2016 by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, medical errors not only result in untold non-fatal suffering, they also serve as the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Despite this incredibly consequential reality, few patients are advised as to how to spot a medical error and its consequences. As a result, millions of Americans are unaware that 1. Their suffering (injury or illness) is the result of medical negligence and 2. Their situation is legally actionable.
If you’re unsure of whether you’re the victim of medical negligence – and are, therefore, unsure of whether you’re in a position to hold a healthcare provider responsible for your harm – that’s okay and even to be expected. You don’t need to have all the answers before you speak with an attorney. In fact, you may not be in a position to uncover the truth without a lawyer’s help. The entire point of scheduling a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer is to seek clarification. If you aren’t sure of what happened to you and/or what your rights and options are, it’s time to speak with a lawyer.
What Happens in a Medical Malpractice Consultation?
As an experienced personal injury attorney – including those who practice at Yearin Law Office – can confirm, the purpose of a medical malpractice legal consultation is to receive personalized guidance about your rights and options so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps. The point of a consultation is not to “sell you” on retaining legal services or taking any particular course of action. If you’re working with a true professional worthy of your business, they won’t pressure you in the least during your consultation.
An attorney won’t know how to advise you as to the particulars of your situation until they understand the circumstances you’re facing. As a result, you’ll want to come prepared to describe your experience. If you’re not yet ready to speak with about what happened to you, that’s okay. Bring along a trusted loved one who can relay your story or otherwise speak on your behalf. If you prefer, you can write your story down or tape yourself giving the details of your situation if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of speaking on the spot.
Once a lawyer has heard your story, they will likely ask you questions to clarify important details. Feel free to bring along medical records, photographs, and any other documentation that will help them to understand your situation. Then, they’ll provide you with their assessment of your rights and options, including the potential value of your case and its likely strengths and weaknesses. You’ll be able to ask questions, so make sure to write down your concerns in advance for easy reference. Otherwise, you may spend your valuable time trying to remember what you wanted to say.
