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Bringing a baby into the world is supposed to be one of life’s happiest and most exciting moments. Parents do everything they can to ensure their baby’s safety and health.
They trust doctors, nurses, and everyone else in the delivery room to do their jobs carefully. But when healthcare providers mess up, it can cause serious birth injuries that change a baby’s life and their family’s forever.
If this happens, it’s heartbreaking and overwhelming. You’re left wondering what went wrong and how you can make things right for your baby. In such a situation, your best option will be to hire a birth injury lawyer. They can help you figure out what happened, explain your options, and fight to hold the people who made those mistakes accountable.
Picking the best lawyer for your case all starts with asking the right questions. Here are some questions you must ask to ensure you’ve got the best lawyer in your corner.
How Long Have You Been Handling Birth Injury Cases?
Birth injury cases aren’t like other types of personal injury claims. They’re complicated and need someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
Not every lawyer who does personal injury cases handles medical malpractice. And even among those who handle medical malpractice, not everyone is familiar with birth injury cases.
You need to find out if the lawyer has specific experience with birth injuries. You want a lawyer who has handled enough birth injury cases to really know their stuff and who’s ready to fight for your family if things get tough.
How Do Your Fees Work?
Most birth injury lawyers work on something called a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case. If you don’t win, you don’t owe them anything.
The lawyer’s fee is usually a percentage of the money you get from the case. So, you’ll want to ask exactly what that percentage is. Is it 30%? Or 40%? It’s better to know upfront.
But fees aren’t the only thing to ask about. What about other costs, like court fees or hiring expert witnesses? Sometimes, those costs aren’t included in the lawyer’s percentage, and you might have to cover them.
Can You Share References or Examples From Other Cases You’ve Worked On?
A good birth injury lawyer should be able to share stories or examples from past clients. They won’t give you all the private details, of course, but they should be able to explain how they handled similar cases and how things turned out.
This is your chance to find out what it’s like to work with them. You want someone who’s not only skilled but also easy to talk to and supportive when things get stressful.
How Long Will This Take?
These cases can take a while. We’re talking months, maybe even years in some situations. It’s not because people are slacking off; it’s just that there’s a lot going on. The timeline can depend on things like how complicated the case is, how bad the injury is, and whether the other side is willing to settle quickly or if they’re stubborn about it.
When you ask your attorney this question, don’t expect an exact answer like, “Oh, it’ll be done in 8 months and 12 days.” That’s not how it works. But they should be able to give you a rough idea.
A good lawyer should explain how they’ll stay on top of deadlines and keep you updated so you’re not wondering what’s going on.
Knowing the factors at play won’t make the waiting part any easier, but at least you’ll have an idea of what to expect.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
