There is no quiz you can take to determine how strong your case is. Medical Malpractice lawsuits are complex, and preparation for them is essential. The first thing to do is meet with an attorney. It also helps to understand that Wisconsin state law regarding medical malpractice is specific. The statute of limitations in Wisconsin requires the injured party to file the lawsuit within three years from the date of injury or within one year from the date they discovered the injury. At most, no more than five years can pass from the date of injury before a lawsuit must be filed.
4 Steps to Start a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
1. Request and make copies of all your medical records
Do this right away to make sure your charts remain unchanged.
2. Find a good doctor
Your health is still the most prominent issue at stake, so find a doctor who is committed to getting your health back on track—even if it means new tests and diagnostics to correct the mistakes of your previous care team.
3. Create a timeline
Take note of all the procedures, prescriptions, and conversations you have ever had with your care team, and keep track of what information was available to them at what time (i.e., patient history). On a personal note, keep track of whenever your life has changed because of negligent care: Did you miss work? Are you in pain or experiencing a lower quality of life?
4. Keep your case private
Do not confront any parties involved, do not contact the news stations or other patients, do not contact the hospital system, stay off social media, and do not speak to the insurance adjuster without a medical malpractice lawyer present.
When To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
The lawsuit itself will take time. In any case, it is a process. As soon as possible, contact an attorney. If they accept your case after the initial consultation, you can expect the rest of the process to follow this outline, but please keep in mind that every case is unique:
- Investigation: All medical records, notes, photos, and anything else that can help the attorney figure out what went wrong will be looked at. After looking at all the information, the attorney will reach out to medical experts who can write reports in support of the case.
- Discovery: This is the stage in the process of litigation where both parties can obtain relevant information from each other. The defendant’s attorney will depose (question under oath) the injured party during this phase.
- Settlement or Trial: A fair settlement is preferred to a trial, but if there is not an agreed-upon settlement, the case will proceed to trial. At trial, arguments and evidence are introduced. Experts give their opinion, and a jury decides the outcome.
How to File a Malpractice Lawsuit?
Expert testimony is necessary for medical malpractice claims due to their complexity. Contacting an attorney who can compile the evidence needed to build your case is essential. Your attorney can also help you report the experience to the state medical board, which could result in additional fines, license suspension, license limitations, and even complete license revocation.
An experienced attorney will try to get the maximum compensation the client deserves. The Habush Habush & Rottier medical malpractice team can help to recover the following expenses:
- Medical Bills
- Future Treatment Expenses
- Past and Future Wage
You can contact us at 800-242-2874 if you would like to go over a possible Medical Malpractice lawsuit with one of our attorneys here at Habush Habush & Rottier. The first consultation is free.
