The cost of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer in the Merrillville area can vary based on numerous factors. This includes the attorney’s hourly rate, whether the attorney works on a contingency fee basis, the complexity of the legal claim, and the overall duration of the case.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we know that many people in Indiana are struggling. You may have a legitimate claim against a doctor or hospital, but you may feel discouraged from taking legal action for fear of the cost. While attorney fees can be expensive, we’re here to let you know that it’s worth it to hire a lawyer for medical negligence litigation. In fact, law firms like ours try to keep upfront costs down for clients.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we offer free consultations, and we do not get paid unless and until we can secure a settlement or win legal damages for you. To set up a free and confidential case evaluation, contact our law firm today. You can also reach our law office by phone at (219) 883-2852
Why the Cost of Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Vary
As we mentioned above, there are a few factors that can affect the total cost of hiring a medical malpractice attorney. Let’s examine these in more detail.
The Cost of a Legal Consultation
Some law firms will charge an initial fee just for a consultation. Other law firms will offer free legal consultations. The overall cost of the consultation is nominal compared to the total cost of hiring a lawyer for a case, but it’s worth noting.
Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. offers free case reviews. This allows families in Northwest Indiana to get much-needed guidance from qualified legal professionals without a bill. We want to help out in whatever way we can because we know how complicated these kinds of cases can be.
Hourly Legal Fees vs. Contingency Fee Representation
Some attorneys will have an hourly rate for their services, while others will work on a contingency fee basis.
- Hourly Rate for Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Some lawyers will bill clients for work they do on their cases. The billable rate will vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and the reputation of the law firm. In the state of Indiana, these rates can range from around $200 an hour to $450+ an hour.
- Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis: Some lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, which means payment is contingent on a successful result. In other words, clients only pay their lawyer if the lawyer secures a settlement or wins damages in court. With a successful case, lawyers are paid a percentage of the awarded compensation.
Attorney fees and pricing are important to discuss during the initial consultation. Make sure you work with a medical malpractice lawyer who is honest about costs and completely transparent about how clients will be billed.
The Duration and Complexity of Your Case
Medical malpractice cases can take a long time to investigate and resolve. In addition to the time that an attorney spends on the case, there may be various legal filings that cost money. Consulting with expert witnesses and connecting clients with resources can also involve additional fees.
Many cases are resolved through a pre-trial settlement, but some will need to go to court. Going to trial will usually lead to higher fees since there is more time required to present a case in court.
For some perspective, many medical malpractice cases can take several months to a few years to get resolved. Some especially contentious or complex medical malpractice cases could take several years to resolve.
Is It Worth Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth hiring a medical malpractice lawyer. Without an attorney, you may not be able to receive as much compensation as you deserve following a medical error.
We understand that it may feel like a risk given how much money may be at stake. However, the benefits of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer far outweigh the risks of trying to go it alone.
Here are a few ways that a medical malpractice attorney can help you, and why the cost of working with an attorney is a good investment:
- Understand How Much Your Medical Malpractice Claim Is Worth: An injury or illness from poor medical care can affect your life in countless ways. A medical malpractice attorney can help review your bills, financial losses, and changes in quality of life so you understand the true value of your claim.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes in a Medical Malpractice Case: Things you say, do, or even share on social media could affect the value of your claim. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you avoid jeopardizing your claim and other major setbacks.
- Meet Deadlines and File Your Case in Time: You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, and there may be hearings, filings, and other important deadlines to meet. Your medical malpractice attorney will help you keep on top of things so your case can keep moving forward.
- Assistance with the Medical Panel Review: In the state of Indiana, claimants in a medical malpractice case are required to present their claim to a medical panel. This panel consists of three doctors and an attorney. Your lawyer can help prepare a presentation for the medical panel review.
- Negotiate a Better Settlement with the Insurance Company: Insurance companies will often try to pay people less than their claim is really worth. Medical malpractice attorneys know how to negotiate from a place of strength and identify tactics insurers use to intimidate and lowball people.
- Get Strong Legal Representation During a Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your medical malpractice lawyer will be essential for presenting your case in a trial. Let an attorney handle the court proceedings and use their experience to your advantage.
- Achieve Peace of Mind During a Difficult Time: Medical malpractice litigation is complex and time-consuming. Hiring a trustworthy attorney means you can focus on recovering from your injuries or illness and focusing on your daily needs.
Potential Damages in a Medical Malpractice Case
Specific damages can vary depending on whether your case involves misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, or pharmacy mistakes. Below are some of the most common damages people seek in medical malpractice claims.
Economic Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Economic damages are associated with material or financial losses caused by a medical error. Examples include:
- Cost of additional medical care
- Estimated cost of future medical treatment
- Cost of physical therapy or mental health counseling
- Lost wages due to leave and recovery
- Loss of future earnings due to catastrophic injury or disability
Non-Economic Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Non-economic damages are the subjective, non-monetary losses a patient suffers because of poor medical care. While these damages can be harder to calculate, they are still important. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
Damages If You Lose a Loved One Due to Medical Negligence
If you have lost someone because of a medical professional’s mistakes, you have our deepest sympathies. In these kinds of cases, damages will also include funeral expenses, grief counseling for family members, lost earnings for the household, and the pain associated with the loss of companionship.
When you are ready to share what happened, our team will be ready to listen and let you tell your story. We want to help in whatever way we can.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Indiana?
You have a limited time to take legal action after a doctor makes a mistake. In the state of Indiana, there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a medical malpractice claim. Once that two-year deadline has passed, you will not be able to take legal action even if you have a legitimate claim.
Possible Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
There are some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. If the victim is a child/minor, there may be more time to file a legal action.
Similarly, there is a discovery rule that applies to medical malpractice claims when injuries are not immediately apparent. Under the discovery rule, the statute of limitations begins tolling the moment an injury is finally discovered.
It’s Best to Speak with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Don’t count on exceptions or wait until the last minute. It’s best to speak with our Merrillville medical malpractice lawyers as soon as possible. We can review your case, let you know if you have a valid claim, and discuss the next steps to take for compensation.
Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Medical Negligence Case
You have many choices when it comes to legal representation in Northwest Indiana. Yet locals here in Merrillville and nearby communities know they can trust the medical malpractice lawyers of Theodoros & Rooth, P.C.
Here are just a few reasons why we are a leading choice for legal representation after doctors, nurses, and surgeons fail to meet a proper standard of care.
- Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis: We’ve already mentioned why this is helpful in complicated cases, and we think it’s worth restating. If we don’t win, you don’t have to pay. The medical malpractice lawyers at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. succeed only when our clients do.
- A Long History in Northwest Indiana: Our law firm was founded in 1988 to serve as guardians of justice in Northern Indiana. We’ve had a long history of helping working families throughout the Hoosier State. This includes securing compensation for victims of Dr. Mark Weinberger (“The Runaway Doctor”).
- Our Lawyers Have Over 75 Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience practicing law. We bring that pool of knowledge to every case that comes our way.
- We Take a Team Approach to Every Case: When you work with our law firm, we will all collaborate with you. This team approach to cases helps us identify the best possible approach to your medical negligence claim.
- Free Legal Consultations: You don’t need another bill if you’re recovering from a medical mistake. Your consultation with our team is free. Our attorneys will take time to listen to you because your story deserves to be heard.
- 24/7 Availability for Our Clients: Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. takes calls 24/7, and our attorneys always get back to you as soon as possible. If any questions or concerns about your medical malpractice case come up, our attorneys are here to offer answers and reassurance.
Contact Our Merrillville Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
When it comes to medical malpractice litigation, you can’t afford to go it alone. You need a lawyer who can advocate on your behalf and level the playing field against insurance companies and medical facilities. To request a free consultation with our Merrillville medical malpractice attorneys, contact our law firm today. You can also call Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. at (219) 883-2852.