Filing Medical Malpractice Claims: 3 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While medical malpractice suits first started appearing in the States in the 1800s, these legal claims only started having an impact on the practice of medicine from the 1960s.
Since then, medical malpractice has been seen as a serious matter, and more and more processes are put into place to try and reduce the risks. Unfortunately, medical malpractice still occurs, so it is important to know what to do if you suspect you have been a victim of medical negligence.
So, keep reading to find out more about the top five mistakes people make when filing medical malpractice claims and how you can avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to File
One of the most common mistakes people make is missing the claim filing deadline. That’s why it is so important to consult an attorney immediately if you suspect that you have been a victim of medical negligence. The sooner you seek legal advice, the sooner your claim can be filed.
There is a very short statute of limitations when it comes to filing medical malpractice claims. Medical malpractice cases have various steps you need to fulfill before you can file a lawsuit. If you haven’t met all the necessary requirements within that time period, you won’t be able to pursue a lawsuit.
It is also important to note that many attorneys won’t take on a case if too much time has already passed, so the sooner you get started, the more likely it is your claim will go through.
2. Giving a Recorded Statement
Another mistake to avoid is talking about your case to someone you shouldn’t be talking to in the first place. When it comes to a medical malpractice case, you can talk to a risk manager or insurance adjuster, but they will be on the side of the doctors and hospital since that is who they are working for in the first place.
3. Hiring the Wrong Attorney
When it comes to medical malpractice cases, hiring the right attorney is crucial. While there are over 135,000 personal injury attorneys in the States alone, you will need to find the right for your case. Personal injury attorneys’ skills and experience all vary depending on the work they do daily, so it is important that you properly vet your attorney before filing a claim.
You will want to make sure that your attorney is comfortable and familiar with the legal statutes for medical malpractice cases in your area. If you’re struggling to get started, you can view these medical malpractice attorneys and what they suggest looking for as a starting point.
Filing Medical Malpractice Claims Made Easy
Filing medical malpractice claims can be a scary prospect, but if you have a good attorney and avoid these mistakes, you should have nothing to worry about. Do your research and make sure you understand the claim filing process so you can ensure all the necessary steps are taken.
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