Physicians win approximately 80% to 90% of the cases reviewers believe they should win, approximately 70% to 80% of the cases rated as toss-ups, and roughly 50% of the cases deemed by peer reviewers to have strong evidence of negligence 18.
Winning a medical malpractice claim can prove very difficult. However, that does not mean that you cannot win. If you suffered a serious injury due to the negligence of a medical care provider, you deserve compensation for those losses.
The general rule is simple: Non-clients generally cannot sue lawyers who did not represent them. This standard, called the privity rule, finds its footing in the definition of legal malpractice.
If your lawyer makes a mistake in your matter, you can sue the lawyer for malpractice. Generally, clients should file legal malpractice lawsuits within one year of the date when the attorney-client relationship ended, or the claim can be barred.
While an initial settlement may be offered in days or weeks after your claim, litigating usually lengthens the process. You may be involved in interactions for the next year or two to finally get the case resolved, especially if you have to have a court rule on it.
Do not engage. Think of her as a course hazard more than an opponent. Aim your words, always, at the judge. Be on time, be reasonable, be flexible to the extent it will not prejudice or harm your client, and do your best to keep all interactions in writing and on the record.
To do so, four legal elements must be proven: (1) a professional duty owed to the patient; (2) breach of such duty; (3) injury caused by the breach; and (4) resulting damages.
Send a final meet and confer letter. If you've requested dates multiple times (hopefully in writing) and still no response, unilaterally set a date. If opposing counsel then objects that he/she/the client is not available, tell them that's too bad and that they've been given multiple opportunities to set a date.
Use Mr./Ms. last name for the initial email. When opposing counsel responds and signs off with a first name (e.g., "Nick"), use that going forward. ? To address a group of opposing counsel, go with "Counsel." If you find these tips helpful, please follow Nick Bullard and click the ? to get my next tip.
The general rule is simple: Non-clients generally cannot sue lawyers who did not represent them. This standard, called the privity rule, finds its footing in the definition of legal malpractice.