I believe I've been the victim of medical malpractice. What can I do so an effective review of my potential case can be accomplished? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

We receive dozens of calls a day regarding potential medical malpractice cases.  Unfortunately, for the victims who suffered serious injuries, very few cases that are reviewed actually amount to malpractice, or into a case where we can obtain a recovery for the client that would justify the costs associated with litigating the case.  To be more specific, medical malpractice cases are extremely expensive and difficult to litigate.  As a general rule, they do not settle and require going to trial.  If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, there are several steps you can take to make sure your case is thoroughly reviewed.

1. Obtain a complete copy of your medical record.  This would include your admission paperwork, any operative or surgical notes and your discharge summary.

2. Make sure you have a narrative of everything that happened from the time you believe malpractice occurred until the time the issue was remedied.

3. Make sure to send all of these documents to the attorney reviewing your case and expect to sit and wait for a little bit.

What many people don’t realize is that medical malpractice cases are based largely, if not entirely, on the medical record.  In that regard, the medical record tells the story.  Sometimes, the medical record can be thousands of pages.  If you must send that much documentation to a lawyer, you should understand that it might take some time before the lawyer can get you an answer.  It is best that you send the documentation as soon as possible so that a lawyer can evaluate your case in a timely manner.