No parent expects their child to suffer from negligent medical care, and nothing can ever prepare you for dealing with the fallout of medical malpractice. The idea of legal action might seem overwhelming, and choosing the best pediatric injury lawyer for your child seems impossible.
Pediatric injury cases can be extremely complex, and you want a Florida pediatric medical injury lawyer who is equipped to handle these claims. Do not rush into choosing a lawyer—instead, consider the tips below to help you make a decision.
Find Out if the Lawyer Has a History of Handling Pediatric Injury Cases
When looking for the right firm, you want to find one that has experience with similar cases. Medical malpractice cases involve a lot of nuances, and a lot of firms do not have the experience to tackle these cases. Many firms claim to work with pediatric injuries and other malpractice cases, but they may not be able to deliver satisfactory results.
Looking at a firm’s case results is one way you can do this. While every case is unique, try to see if there are cases similar to yours and what results they got for their clients. While previous victories are not a guarantee of success in your case, these results can show you what results the firm is able to get for your child’s pediatric malpractice injuries.
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Discuss the Firm’s Willingness to Go to Trial
The vast majority of personal injury cases, including medical malpractice cases, do not ever go to trial. Trials are long and involved processes, and insurance companies do not typically want to go through court proceedings.
However, there are times when it makes sense to push for a trial in order to seek fair compensation, and it’s important to have a law firm willing to do so. The insurance companies must recognize that your attorneys are willing to take the case to trial, and only then will they pay top dollar to avoid court.
During your discussions with the firm, ask about their trial history and their credentials. How many jury trials have they conducted? Do any of their lawyers have Board Certifications in civil trials? You can discuss the pros and cons of a settlement versus a trial and the factors that might make one path more beneficial than the other.
Take a Look at the Firm’s Reviews
Reviews and testimonials from former clients can be helpful tools for those in search of a malpractice lawyer. You can get a feel for the firm’s approach to customer care and communication style, which can be especially important with sensitive pediatric injury cases.
The words of former clients can be revealing, and you can mention any points of concern with the firm during your consultation. Your child needs compassionate and dedicated lawyers, and you should feel confident in the firm’s abilities to devote time and care to your family.
Ask About the Firm’s Resources for Pediatric Injury Lawsuits
Pediatric injury cases, like other malpractice and personal injury claims, need strong evidence to support claims of negligence. You want to find a firm with extensive resources that can support their efforts in building a case.
What kinds of professionals do they consult when working on pediatric injury claims? How do these experts contribute to cases? A firm that is not prepared to hire and consult medical professionals and economic experts could put your chances of compensation at risk.
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Ask About the Costs and Fees of Hiring a Lawyer and Filing a Claim
Understandably, one major concern for parents is legal expenses. You’re already facing a growing pile of bills because of your child’s pediatric injury, and the idea of hiring a lawyer seems impossible.
However, pediatric injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any upfront costs and fees. Instead, the firm covers expenses (to be reimbursed only after a settlement or judgment), and they receive a pre-discussed percentage of your settlement or verdict as their fee. If they do not win, you do not owe them anything.
While personal injury legal help is affordable, the costs of filing a medical malpractice claim (and the value of your potential payout) can vary based on many factors. Some firms may cost less than others, but this price could come at the cost of fewer resources, less personalized attention, inexperienced trial lawyers, and possibly a lower payout. Ask a law firm about potential costs and expenses, but make sure you consider all factors, not just price.
Prepare a List of Questions to Ask During a Consultation
You have a lot on your mind, and it can be hard to know what to do next. When choosing the best pediatric injury lawyer for your child, it’s best to be prepared when researching law firms. In addition to the above topics, here are other questions you can ask before hiring a malpractice attorney:
- How long do pediatric injury claims and lawsuits take?
- How long do I have to sue for my child’s injuries and losses?
- What challenges might you face in my case?
- What forms of compensation could I seek for my child and my family?
- What are my rights as a parent in a pediatric injury case?
- What steps should I take to protect my child and their rights?
- What forms of evidence can support my claim?
Please note: no attorney should make promises about the outcome of your case—they can provide realistic assessments and discuss potential outcomes, but no guarantees. Firms that overpromise often under-deliver, and that can leave your child without essential compensation for their injuries.
Let Our Pediatric Injury Lawyers Help You Hold Providers Accountable
Your child is hurt, and providers should not get away with causing this harm. Here at Freidin Brown, P.A., we are dedicated to helping victims of pediatric malpractice. For over 45 years, we have made a difference in the lives of malpractice victims all over the state.
Choosing the best pediatric injury lawyer for your child means having a team that puts your child’s needs first, and the Florida medical malpractice lawyers with Freidin Brown, P.A. are committed to personalized and compassionate care. Please call us now for a free case evaluation. We have offices in Miami and Fort Myers, but we can speak with you by phone or over Zoom calls. Se habla español.
