Birth injuries can have lasting emotional and physical consequences. Hiring a competent birth injury lawyer in Baltimore, MD ensures your family receives justice and proper compensation. To assist you in making an informed decision, here is a list of questions to ask when hiring a birth injury lawyer, from evaluating their expertise and experience to fees and negotiation skills.
6 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore, MD
1. Are You a Generalist or Specialist?
The expertise and experience of a specialized attorney can greatly impact the outcome of your case. A lawyer focusing solely on birth injury cases will have in-depth knowledge and experience in navigating the intricacies of such claims. The lawyer will be well-versed in related laws, medical terminology, and crucial processes that can help you present strong evidence and ultimately secure a favorable outcome.
Most law firms often cover a broad range of practice areas, such as personal injury, medical malpractice, and class action lawsuits, to name a few. However, these law firms have lawyers who typically specialize in different areas of law. For instance, in a birth injury case, the attorney with the greatest experience and expertise in birth injury lawsuits will handle the case.
2. Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine Before? What Was the Outcome?
This question helps you gauge the lawyer’s expertise in dealing with cases that closely resemble your unique circumstances, as cases may vary from mild complications to severe medical conditions involving both mother and child. Additionally, gaining insight into the results of comparable cases is essential, as this knowledge will shed light on the potential settlement amounts, jury verdicts, or other resolutions you might expect in your case.
Consider learning more about common birth injuries and how an attorney in Baltimore can help you. For more information, click here.
3. What Is Your Fee Structure?
By addressing this matter in your initial consultation, you can ascertain whether the attorney operates on a contingency fee basis or bills on an hourly rate. A contingency fee means the lawyer will only receive compensation if they successfully secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf. The typical contingency fee is approximately 33% of the settlement value when a case is resolved quickly without going to trial.
If the attorney bills on an hourly rate, you’ll incur ongoing payments throughout the process of your claim. Moreover, asking about the fee structure allows you to discuss supplementary charges that may be incurred during the legal process. These costs can encompass various expenses, such as the costs of expert witnesses or court filing fees.
4. What Resources Do You Have To Build a Strong Case?
A birth injury lawyer in Baltimore will have access to various resources that can be used to build a strong case. These resources may include access to medical records, investigative reports, expert witness testimony, and other evidence collected from hospitals and doctors’ offices.
In addition, the lawyers may collaborate with experts in the field of medicine, such as pediatric specialists, to conduct additional research and analysis on a case. Moreover, an expert attorney understands the steps in a birth injury case and will guide you through each step.
5. How Do You Handle Negotiations With Insurance Companies and Medical Providers?
The defense team, comprising skilled lawyers, uses tactful strategies to minimize their client’s liability. The team may argue against your compensation claim by challenging the severity of the injuries or even by attempting to shift blame. An experienced lawyer can anticipate and counter these tactics, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Moreover, a birth injury attorney in Baltimore is well-versed in handling communications with insurance companies and medical providers. The lawyer can negotiate settlements that consider current and future medical expenses and other damages relevant to your situation.
6. How Long Do You Anticipate My Case Will Take to Resolve?
Factors such as cooperation between involved parties and evidence availability affect the time it takes to resolve a case. An expert attorney will strive to settle the case out of court for a quicker resolution. Out-of-court settlements are often more efficient and cost-effective, allowing the victim to avoid the emotional and financial burden of having a case go to trial.
The lawyer’s negotiation skills and the willingness of the hospital to reach a fair settlement play significant roles in achieving a faster resolution. However, the attorney must prioritize the client’s best interests and be prepared to proceed to trial if a just settlement is not attainable in negotiations.
When searching for the best lawyer for your situation, you should do your due diligence and ask the right questions. The six questions above will help determine if a birth injury lawyer matches your needs. Have an open dialogue with the lawyer so that you understand their experience, fee structure, and the chances of achieving a positive outcome.
