After an instance of medical malpractice, it’s essential to seek help from an experienced lawyer who can help maximize your compensation. Lawyers often offer free consultations to determine if they can help you. However, meeting with a lawyer can feel intimidating. How do you prepare for your free consultation? What questions will your lawyer ask? What if you don’t have the answers? Will it cost you money?
If you’re nervous about your first meeting, you’re not alone. Over 900 Hoosiers filed medical malpractice claims in 2023, and many of them sought legal counsel just like you. In this article, we’ll dissect your first consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer so you’ll know what to expect.
What to Expect from Your Free Consultation
What is a free consultation?
A free consultation is the first meeting with your lawyer, where she/he will ask a series of discovery questions to learn more about your case. Most reputable malpractice lawyers offer a free consultation to determine if they should take your case.
Do I have to pay to meet with my lawyer?
Most law firms accept payment based on contingency fees, where you will only pay if/when they win your case. After a lawyer helps you win your case, they will take a predisclosed percentage of your total settlement. Golitko & Daly works exclusively on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay a penny until we win.
How to Prepare for Your Free Consultation
How can I prepare for my free legal consultation?
Preparing for your free consultation is optional, as most lawyers will ask the right questions to determine if they can help you. However, if you’d like to prepare for your medical malpractice consultation, compile all important case details to share when asked. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by answering the questions below.
What questions will my lawyer ask me?
In your first meeting, your lawyer will want to learn about the details of your case. They’ll ask a series of questions to determine if they can help. Here are the questions that Golitko & Daly’s medical malpractice lawyers frequently ask in our first client meeting(s).
Medical History, Provider Information, & Treatment
Lawyers will ask questions about existing medical conditions, medical history, and past/future treatment to gauge your overall health. Your lawyer may ask:
- What is your medical history?
- Are you on any medications? When were you prescribed medications, and by whom?
- Do you have a history of any chronic conditions, like diabetes, depression, anxiety, hypertension, etc.?
- What is the name of your treating physicians? What is the name of your primary care provider?
- Were there any other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment or diagnosis?
- Has your doctor told you if you will require future treatment? If so, how much?
Injury Permanence & Severity
The permanence and severity of your injury directly correlate to the amount and likelihood of recovering a settlement. Your lawyer will need to know:
- Has your treating doctor said you will have a permanent injury, or will you recover fully?
- How severe is your injury?
- Have you taken any time off work? Will you need to take any time off work? If so, how much?
Medical Bills & Insurance
Care is expensive, and severe injuries demand more medical costs, especially if you don’t have medical insurance. Your lawyer will ask:
- Do you have insurance?
- Do you have any outstanding medical bills that you are struggling to pay?
Malpractice
Often, injured patients request a free consultation because they suspect malpractice. Sometimes, they can identify the type of medical malpractice they are victim to. It’s okay if you don’t know the answers to these questions. If malpractice is present, your lawyer will prove it. But first, they’ll ask:
- Do you have any suspicions of what the malpractice may be?
- Has anyone told you your doctor committed malpractice?
- When did the alleged malpractice occur?
Legal Assistance
Most lawyers want to know what stage of the client journey you’re in, so they’ll ask about your contact with other firms. For example:
- Have you spoken with another law firm about your case?
If you’re nervous about requesting or attending a free consultation, know it’s normal. However, if you’re honest and open, there’s no reason to fear your first meeting. Any reputable lawyer will help calm your nerves with a smooth process and friendly, patient demeanor.
How Golitko & Daly Can Help
If you or a loved one has experienced complications from medical malpractice, consult with an attorney. Golitko & Daly’s experienced medical malpractice attorneys can help you rebuild your life physically, financially, and emotionally.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 317-566-9600 (Indianapolis), 765-865-9300 (Kokomo), or 812-566-2600 (Bloomington), or complete our inquiry form.*
*Free consultation; no retainer fee. You don’t pay a fee until we obtain a settlement for you. All attorney fees are based on the amount of your recovery.