Top Pasadena, CA Doctor Malpractice Lawyers Near You

Are You a Doctor Who Has Been Accused of Malpractice?

If you have been accused of malpractice, a Pasadena doctor malpractice defense attorney can help you analyze the type of injury or trauma you are being accused of causing and/or contributing to. A skilled medical malpractice defense attorney can give you pertinent facts that will help guide your defense.

Doctor Malpractice Accusations

Doctors are accused of malpractice when they have been negligent during the treatment of an individual which falls below the accepted standard of care in the practice of the medical community, and such negligent behavior causes injury or death to the patient. Injured patients may be liable for an individual’s injury or trauma and the alleged victim may be entitled to collect damages against a doctor. Because standards vary by jurisdiction, it is important to seek an attorney’s advice.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

How will an attorney charge me?

A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how he/she will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:

• Bill by the hour
• Contingent fee agreement
• Flat fee agreement

Depending on your specific legal situation, it’s possible that only one type of fee structure is available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. In a flat fee arrangement, an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.