How to Choose a Malpractice Attorney

Choosing a malpractice attorney from among all the lawyers in the field who advertise these days can be difficult. Follow these tips for some guidance.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Contact your local bar association. Many bar associations operate referral systems that can provide you with the names of attorneys who specialize in malpractice suits.

2. Ask people you trust to refer you to malpractice attorneys who have successfully represented them or someone they know.

3. Call the malpractice attorneys who received the most favorable recommendations and arrange a meeting. Find out whether you will have to pay for the initial consultation.

4. Question the attorneys you meet with about their malpractice experience. Ask them to provide the names of previous malpractice clients you can contact for additional references. Inquire about their general business practices. For example, how long does it takes them to return telephone calls? Have they received any ethics complaints?

5. Trust your instincts. Your malpractice attorney should listen to your issues carefully and put you at ease. The more comfortable you feel with your malpractice attorney, the more likely you are to establish a good working relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the malpractice attorneys you are considering for the name of another attorney who can provide a second opinion. An ethical, competent lawyer should have no problem recommending another attorney.