What do I Need to Start a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

Doctor looking at charts

If you have suffered an injury from medical malpractice, contact us today!

If you think that you may have a medical malpractice claim, there are some basic steps you will need to complete, either before or after meeting with a Tampa medical malpractice lawyer. Certain conditions must be satisfied to maintain a successful case, and documentation requirements will vary. That is why it is wise to consult with a Tampa medical malpractice attorney at the earliest juncture possible. He or she can counsel you – and help you pull together the things that you will need in a smooth and professional manner.

Step 1

Contact the doctor or medical professional. Sometimes your healthcare provider can fix the problem before it proceeds further. At a minimum, the doctor should be able to explain what went wrong in your case. You will also want a copy of your health records should you choose to proceed.

Step 2

Check with the medical licensing board, as it can take steps to see that your doctor or medical professional is disciplined as appropriate. Often the board can give you more information about possible remediation of your problem.

Step 3

Find out what your statute of limitations is in regard to medical-malpractice claims. If too much time has passed since your medical-malpractice incident, then you may risk waiving any rights to file a lawsuit.

Step 4

With your Tampa medical malpractice attorney’s advice, get a medical assessment from a third-party expert. Your attorney can help guide you through this medical-exam process, to get an expert’s opinion as to whether any injuries or illness you suffered was a result of negligence on the part of your healthcare provider.

Step 5

Your lawyer may recommend an out-of-court settlement or taking your case to trial. If you receive a settlement offer from the healthcare provider, your attorney can help you decide if settling is in your best interest. Sometime it is, since it can avoid the costly and time-consuming aspects of most medical-malpractice lawsuits. Sometimes settling is not in your best interest, however. You need an attorney who has the experience and commitment to take your case all the way through trial, if doing so is the best way to maximize your recovery.

If you believe that you have been a victim of medical malpractice, schedule a free initial consultation with the experienced Tampa medical malpractice attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore today!