The Importance Of The Attorney
Clients hire wrongful death and medical malpractice attorneys during the extremely difficult and emotionally challenging times that follow tragic and catastrophic events. For the attorney, it follows that it is a very demanding line of work, both physically and emotionally that requires the attorney to share in the client’s grief and loss. The attorney should be prepared to give those clients the attention and support they require and deserve.
Crucial to the attorney-client relationship during such trying times is the element of trust, and this means interacting with clients on a personal level, as well having empathy and an understanding of what they are going through—especially in the immediate aftermath of the death of a loved one.
There are always emotional and economic ramifications that flow from these catastrophic events, and there is never a clear end in sight. Even for those who survive life-threatening injuries, the impacts persist, whether through medical complications over the course of many years, additional hospitalization, years of physical therapy, or the numerous ups and downs that go along with these injuries.
These injuries do not just affect the injured; they affect everyone who is close to them. As a result, the attorney who handles these cases must become familiar with everyone who is involved, and remain prepared for the gamut of emotions. The attorney shares the lows with their clients, but they also get to share the highs, like learning that a once tragically-injured child has overcome great obstacles, graduated from college, or got married, had children, and lives a productive and happy life.
A wrongful death and catastrophic injury attorney experiences long-lasting relationships with their clients (many of mine have lasted for three decades!). On a number of occasions, I have represented different generations of clients from the same family, and I can say that I truly cherish those relationships. Making a positive impact on the lives of others is the most rewarding aspect of this profession.
Finding the Right Attorney
One of the most important things to consider when hiring a wrongful death or medical malpractice attorney is their level of experience. If an attorney only occasionally handles medical malpractice or wrongful death cases, then they likely are not the best choice; the chosen attorney should primarily concentrate on these areas of law, because as you can see from the previous chapters, they present unique and complicated issues.
On a professional level, the chosen attorney should be involved with trial bar associations and medical malpractice committees, and attend continuing legal education courses to stay current and sharp on all issues related to these areas of the law. Even better if they are the lecturers at those courses.
Truly understanding the complexities of the law is crucial. All too often, personal injury attorneys believe that they are qualified to take on medical malpractice and wrongful death cases. If they do, some soon realize that they are in way over their head. Over the years, I have received countless calls from those attorneys asking me for advice or asking if I can take a case over from them. Unfortunately, sometimes by the time they call, some level of damage to the case has already occurred. For instance, the attorney may have incorrectly identified the statute of limitations that applies to the case, and I may end up with a limited amount of time to investigate and start a lawsuit. Alternatively, the attorney may have missed critical pieces of evidence that are no longer retrievable or have been destroyed, or they misjudged the level of personal attention that the client needed.
Even if a lawyer understands the basic legal requirements to bring a successful wrongful death or medical malpractice case, it does not mean that they are capable of, or skilled enough, to provide the necessary follow-through to trial. These areas of law contain minefields, and the unsuspecting attorney who does not regularly practice in this area is liable to jeopardize their client’s case. However, if you find an attorney who possesses the experience, skills, and knowledge of what it takes to successfully litigate these difficult cases, you will put yourself in the best possible position to win your case.
For more information on The Role And Importance Of The Attorney, an initial consultation is your best next step. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking by calling (646) 828 1980, call Oddo & Babat, P.C.
today.