Birth injuries often lead to long term physical and mental handicaps, and subsequent emotional and financial difficulties for the parents. A top Washington DC birth injury attorney can help parents obtain the funds needed to care for an injured child. However, in medicine, it is expected that injuries and fatalities sometimes occur. Unfortunately, this makes medical malpractice cases difficult to win. A plaintiff must prove that the medical professional was negligent and another doctor would have made a more sound decision in the event. It is therefore crucial that parents choose the best DC personal injury lawyer to pursue their cases. How, then, does one choose?
Ask for referrals. Talk to friends, acquaintances and your insurance company. If you are in a support group for parents, its members may be an excellent resource. However, do not choose a lawyer simply because (s)he comes recommended. We will discuss consulting with your lawyer. Most law firms offer free consultations, like at Cohen & Cohen, PC, where we handle personal injury cases.
Another great source for references is your state bar association. They often have referral lists but the screening process for admittance to them varies across Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Before choosing a lawyer, know your state bar’s standards for referral.
Once you have your referrals, visit their websites and learn all you can. How many years’ experience does your Washington DC birth injury lawyer have? Also, where (s)he obtained a law degree may be helpful, but not nearly as important as a track record. Find out what percentage of your Washington DC personal injury lawyer’s cases were related to birth injuries. See if the lawyer has represented more plaintiffs or defendants and if any of the cases occurred under circumstances similar to yours. Some of these questions may be better answered during consultation. Again, most birth injury and medical malpractice lawyers offer free consultations. If a lawyer charges for an interview with you, that is a negative sign.
When you consult with a personal injury lawyer, remember to bring any and all photographs, notes and documentation of the incident. Ascertain the birth injury lawyer’s philosophy. Is (s)he more hands-on? Will (s)he handle the case directly or give it to another lawyer? Lawyers often work in teams but you will want to meet everyone directly involved with your case. You and your lawyer should also have a settlement objective: Would you rather have your lawyer fight for the maximum settlement or handle the process as quickly as possible? Ensure the lawyer keeps your goals in mind. Since you will be working closely with this person, you should trust your lawyers. Find a birth injury attorney who treats your family with sensitivity and respect. Once you have found a lawyer, figure out a payment plan. Some lawyers work for contingency fees and this may be a favorable option.
Dealing with a child’s birth injury is difficult enough. Finding a good birth injury or medical malpractice lawyer should be simple. Consult with Cohen & Cohen, PC to learn if we are the best choice for you.