How Should I Proceed with a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
December 23, 2019Medical malpractice lawsuits are common in the health care industry, which is why health care providers pay such high premiums for their malpractice insurance. Not all malpractice cases involve negligence. If there is negligence, the patient involved may be eligible for financial compensation; the process of filing a claim and reaching a successful settlement can be confusing and overwhelming. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can walk you through the claims process and will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Important Steps to Take
If you believe that the health care provider responsible for your care was negligent in any way, it is important that you take the following steps:
- Contact the medical professional involved in the case. Before filing a claim, talk to the health care provider who was responsible for your care. Be prepared to ask questions and give your doctor the opportunity to determine whether the resulting health complications can be remedied. In general, doctors are willing to perform certain corrective procedures free of charge.
- Contact the Medical Licensing Board. If your medical professional is unhelpful, you are urged to contact the licensing board that oversees medical licenses. They can issue warnings of discipline to your health care provider and offer guidance about the next steps you should take.
- Be aware of the deadlines for filing a claim. Every state has a statute of limitations for filing a claim. In Maryland, you must file a medical malpractice claim within five years of the alleged malpractice or within three years of the time the injury was discovered. If you miss the deadline, it is unlikely that you will be able to collect any compensation.
- Obtain a medical assessment. In Maryland, you must obtain a certificate of merit before initiating a medical malpractice case. This will provide important documentation proving that you suffered injuries as a result of your health care professionals’ negligence.
- Consider an out-of-court settlement. Many medical malpractice cases are settled out of course because they can be very expensive and time-consuming. By settling, you can avoid the stress of having to appear in court. Do not settle for an unfair amount if you believe that you deserve a larger settlement.
- Contact a medical malpractice lawyer. It is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer if you wish to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. A lawyer can review the details of your case and recommend the best legal course of action based on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Guide Clients Through the Claims Process
If you or a loved one was injured or your health was compromised in some way while under the care of a health care provider, and you believe negligence was involved, contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will work closely with you to address all your questions and concerns about the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected every step of the way. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.