Medical malpractice lawsuits can be tough cases, but when a doctor or other health care professional seriously injures a patient, we believe in doing everything we can to hold that person or entity responsible. As a client, there is much that is in your hands, especially at the start of a case. It is up to you to help your attorney gather all the relevant information – information that will help prove, and win, your case.

We are surprised at the number of cases that fizzle out because of a delay in getting medical records, for example. Until the medical records of the patient are gathered and reviewed, there isn’t much an attorney can do to investigate and build your case.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, legal strategy probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. Nor should it be. But quick action on the front end of a case helps preserve important evidence. Your lawyer will do most of the work, of course, but your chances of success are better if you think of it as a team effort.

Another tough issue is getting an autopsy if there has been a death. Like medical records, an autopsy report is crucial to a medical malpractice case. If you can’t prove the cause of death, then you will have trouble showing that it was the defendant’s fault.

If you suspect you might have a medical malpractice case, talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. These cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means that your lawyer only earns a fee if you win or settle your case. There’s nothing to lose by looking into it, especially since delay can hurt you. A consultation is confidential and shouldn’t cost anything.

Next, if you intend to pursue your case, don’t lose momentum. Request your medical records from any relevant providers. It can take six months to prepare a medical malpractice case, so the sooner you do this the better. Your attorney should then consult with a medical expert who will determine whether you have a good case for malpractice.

These are all tough decisions to make, especially if you are injured or caring for a sick spouse or child at the same time, or if you have recently lost a loved one. The compensation you seek in a medical malpractice lawsuit is based on how your life has been affected by the alleged malpractice. It’s meant to help you pay medical bills, get financial support for loss of income and additional compensation for future losses.

These cases can be tough to win, but if you put off the initial work required, it will be even tougher. You don’t have to do it alone. Your attorney is there to support you. If you have questions about a potential medical malpractice case, give us a call and we can help you get started.