The next 5 steps after you suspect medical malpractice

An estimated 225,000 people die every year due to medical malpractice, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). After you or a loved one suffers from medical malpractice, what’s next? While there are many important things to keep in mind when dealing with personal injury cases, Southern California personal injury attorneys are here to ensure that your case is dealt with in the best way so that you get the justice you deserve. Here are 5 steps you should take if you suspect that you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice.

Contact Your Attorney

Your personal injury lawyer is going to be your best resource when it comes to navigating a medical malpractice suit. Southern California personal injury attorneys keep up to date on all of the statutes, laws, and nuances of personal injury law. Your attorney wants to make sure that you get the right outcome for your case, whether that’s settling the matter out of court or taking your case all the way to trial.

Know Your Window

Medical malpractice suits are civil cases, which means that they have a specific timeframe in which they need to be filed. Your attorney will help you distinguish if you’re in the requisite window to file your case. The best way to know is to reach out to your Southern California personal injury attorney as soon as you suspect medical malpractice so that you can file on time.

Provide Proof of Damages

Your lawyer will question you at length about your existing medical condition and the treatment you experienced that resulted in medical negligence. Knowing the extent of the damages will better help your attorney navigate your case and work for a settlement that benefits you if you decide to settle out of court. If your Southern California personal injury attorneys decide that your best choice is to take your case to trial, they’ll need to know the extent of the damages to make sure your side is fully represented before the judge.

Hire a Medical Expert

An expert witness, usually a doctor who has some experience with your condition and treatment. Your attorney is responsible for finding this expert so that they have the right person to review your medical records and provide an assessment. This expert is essential for making sure that your case can move forward.

Stay Off of Social Media

As with most legal cases, avoid posting about your case online or venting about your medical care provider with anyone on social media. The internet is the enemy of anyone trying to get through a private case because it’s very easy for you to say something that can hurt your case and then have it be used against you in court or negotiations. Until your case is settled or you have received a judgment, stay off of social media.

Southern California personal injury attorneys are ready to make sure you get the legal assistance you deserve. Whether you’re worried about medical malpractice, have just suffered a car accident, or need personal injury advice, our team is available to see you through. We’ll help you understand all of your options so that you feel secure moving forward with your legal needs.