1. Will I have to go through a trial in court before my case is finished?
Not necessarily. While some cases do require a formal trial proceeding, many of our cases are settled before they go to court.
2. I've heard that lawsuits take a long time. Is that true with malpractice cases?
Malpractice cases don't necessarily take any longer than other cases, but doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies often try to drag them out. Malpractice claims are often delayed because the doctor or hospital knows they will ultimately have to pay. In other words, they know that they made a horrible mistake. We work hard to prevent these delays.
3. I know lawyers can be expensive. How does your firm charge?
You pay nothing unless and until we recover money for you. Our fee is a percentage of that recovery.
4. I have no idea how much money I should ask for or expect. What kind of expenses are typically included in a settlement?
A typical Texas medical malpractice claim will include compensation for pain and suffering, payment of medical expenses for treating the injury caused by the malpractice and reimbursement for any past, present or future financial losses that you have incurred as a result of the malpractice.
5. It's taken me several months to work up the nerve to do anything about my situation. Am I running out of time to file a lawsuit against my doctor?
You may still have time, but please contact my firm as soon as possible. We know what to do.
6. Nothing serious has happened to me yet, but I'm beginning to question my doctor's care. What can I do to prevent malpractice?
An excellent question. We wish more people would ask this. Our advice to you is to listen to your body. If your doctor tells you that you're fine, but you don't feel fine, make another appointment. As you're listening to your body, educate yourself on what's happening. Use the library and the Internet to find out about your symptoms and what tests are usually run for them.
Have a Question About Medical Malpractice? Contact Us Today!
Have your doctor write everything down. If your doctor denies you a particular test or a referral to a specialist, have the doctor explain in writing the reason for the denial. If the doctor won't write it down, call 817-349-6103 or e-mail The Law Office of Kerry H. Collins and Associates promptly for recommendations on how to proceed with this doctor.
