According to national statistics, only 27 percent of medical malpractice cases that go to trial are actually successful for the victim compared to 52 percent of other plaintiff-won tort cases. This low number is a strong indicator that if a victim is going to pursue a malpractice lawsuit, it is critical to have a seasoned medical malpractice attorney advocating for you. Medical malpractice cases are even more complex than other types of personal injury cases and require the legal expertise of an attorney who has experience in winning these types of injury cases.
If you have suffered an injury or illness as the result of medical negligence, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to discuss your case with one of our dedicated malpractice attorneys. We will evaluate your case and determine what legal recourse you may have. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of why it is important to hire a malpractice lawyer.
Medical Malpractice Attorney
One of the top reasons that you should select an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice for your case is because these attorneys have unique and valuable experience.
Engaging an attorney who’s experienced with malpractice is always your best bet. Experienced attorneys are less likely to make mistakes, and will know the best ways to prepare evidence for your trial, as well as how to present it. Research has shown that experience is a crucial factor in attorney performance.
Just as you need a specialist to treat a specific medical condition correctly, so too do you need a specialist to defend a case of medical malpractice.
Medical Malpractice Cases Are Complicated
One of the reasons why it is so vital to engage an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice is because of the complexity of these cases.
Malpractice law is an incredibly specialized area, and very unlike other case types. Proving negligence is not nearly clear-cut a process, and neither is proving that the negligence likely caused a worse outcome that medically would have occurred absent that negligence.
If a medical procedure has a negative outcome, this does not necessarily mean that malpractice was involved. If another medical practitioner would have acted differently, that too does not alone provide grounds for negligence.
In most cases, malpractice is proved via the testimony of expert medical witnesses. These professionals need to have the credentials and experience to testify whether malpractice took place. These medical practitioners need to be experts in their field, and it is up to the malpractice attorney to ferret them out.
Specialized Attorneys Are Experts on the Laws Surrounding Your Case
Medical malpractice is a complex area of personal injury law. The legal principles and rules that apply to medical malpractice are not necessarily the same as those that apply to other cases.
Attorneys fighting these cases need to be experienced and thoroughly versed in malpractice laws. An attorney who usually prosecutes cases that involve divorce, criminal defense, or estate planning will not be knowledgeable enough about the laws regarding medical malpractice to successfully fight your case.
Contact a Virginia Medical Error Attorney Today
We put our trust in doctors and other medical professionals that they will heal us, not harm us. Medical errors are preventable, and the damage they cause can change a person’s life forever. If you have been injured because of an emergency room or other type of medical error or have lost a loved one due to medical staff mistakes, contact a Virginia medical malpractice attorney to discuss what legal options may be available to you.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have been advocating for injured victims for more than three decades and will work diligently to get you and your family the financial compensation you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation and find out how our legal team can help.
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