Birth injuries are, unfortunately, all too common. Parents throughout the country have been forced to endure the pain and suffering that comes with being involved in a birth injury lawsuit. When you or someone close to you suffers because of a doctor’s negligence, you have every right to seek compensation.
With the help of a birth injury lawyer, you can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish. Not only will the monetary award help you cope with your loss, but it can also prevent others from suffering similar fates.
Let’s look at how to choose the best birth injury lawyer for your situation.
- Find Attorneys Who Specialize in Birth Injury Cases
Many types of birth injuries can occur during child delivery. Some examples include:
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
These are just a few examples of the various birth injuries resulting from failure to properly monitor a mother or baby. To make sure your case receives the attention it deserves, you need to find a law firm with extensive experience handling birth injury cases. It’s also wise to choose a law firm that specializes in personal injury lawsuits, so they understand the nuances of the legal process.
- Hire Lawyers Who Have Successfully Handled Similar Cases
You must hire birth injury lawyers who have a track record of success handling similar cases. A top-notch law firm will have a list of satisfied clients who are willing to vouch for their professionalism and dedication.
- Ask About Their Rates and Fees
When you meet with prospective lawyers, ask them about their fees and rates. Most reputable firms will charge contingency fees for birth injury cases. Under this arrangement, your attorney will receive a percentage of the amount awarded in the settlement. This ensures that your interests remain protected even if your case doesn’t go to trial.
- Select an Attorney Who’s Up to Date on Current Medical Research
In addition to understanding the legalities of birth injury lawsuits, it’s important to select a law firm that stays current on medical research. New studies are published each year, and they often shed light on emerging issues in the field. For example, a recent study found that the C-section rate in U.S. hospitals exceeds 30%, and this number is rising. As a result, the risk of complications increases for both mothers and babies.
- Choose a Team That Understands Your Emotional Needs
The emotional toll associated with birth injuries is significant. Not only do parents suffer, but children must also cope with physical impairments that affect their quality of life. The right law firm will be sensitive to your needs and help you find solutions to your problems. They’ll take the time to listen to your story and offer advice based on their vast knowledge and experience.
- Work With a Firm That Offers Comprehensive Legal Services
Selecting the right law firm means more than finding attorneys with a proven track record. You also need to choose a firm that offers comprehensive legal services. For example, a law firm might specialize in divorce settlements, while another firm handles corporate law. Choosing a firm that offers a full range of legal services allows you to work with professionals who know everything there is to know about your case.
- Communicate Effectively
Communication is vital when selecting the best birth injury lawyer. It’s important to choose an attorney who answers all of your questions thoroughly and promptly. You should consider meeting in person rather than relying on email or phone conversations to avoid misunderstandings.
- Seek Out References from Other Clients
You should never base your decision solely on online reviews and testimonials. Instead, you’re better off asking the lawyers themselves for references. Once you’ve spoken to several potential candidates, you should contact their past clients to learn more about their experiences. This gives you a better idea of how effective the law firm was at representing its clients and negotiating settlements.
- Visit the Law Firm’s Office
You want to visit the law firm’s office during your first consultation and speak to the team. This lets you get a good sense of whether or not you’ll enjoy working with the firm. In addition, you can determine if the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. These qualities can make a major difference in your overall experience.
- Consider the Cost of Representation Before Making a Final Decision
Finally, you should consider the cost of representation before making a final decision. There are many ways to reduce costs, such as working with a law firm that charges a contingency fee. If you don’t win your case, you won’t pay any upfront fees. However, some law firms may require payment upfront.
Finding the right law firm for your birth injury lawsuit isn’t easy. You need to consider many factors, including the attorney’s credentials, experience, and ability to communicate effectively. At the same time, it’s important to review the firm’s list of references and meet with them in person. By conducting thorough research, you’ll increase your chances of selecting a law firm that’s right for you and your child.