Why won’t a lawyer take my medical malpractice case? This was the question posed to me by a person who recently contacted my office regarding an injury they suffered while in the care of a doctor. The person had contacted a few other lawyers before me and they all revealed to the potential client a significant issue surrounding the client’s situation. What is the issue that lead the person on the phone to ask me why won’t a lawyer take my medical malpractice case? Time…the person was simply running out of time to bring the case.
One of the main reasons for this Maryland medical malpractice educational article is to help you understand why if time is an issue in your case you may have a difficult time getting a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to help.
TIME…YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIME!
Maryland law places certain time requirements on a person to bring their injury claim. These time requirements can destroy a valid claim in some instances. To calculate the time, attention must be placed on the specific facts surrounding the case.
Because statute of limitations issues are so fact determinative, I will not get into much detail on the numbers. Just know that you have a certain amount of time before you must bring your medical malpractice claim in Maryland.
WHY WON’T A LAWYER TAKE MY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE?
When proving a Maryland medical malpractice claim Maryland law requires the use of medical experts to testify as to not only the standard of care owed to you, but also that a departure from that standard of care is what caused your injury, or damages. These experts will review all of the necessary information regarding your claim (medical records, speaking with your attorney, visiting the client if need be, etc…) and form their opinion.
Because it can take time to get all of this information to the correct experts, it should be no shock to see how when the statute of limitations is an issue it can complicate matters. If an attorney does not think that he or she will be able to get he needed experts in line in enough time the attorney will more than likely not take the case. Not being able to properly prepare a case can lead many attorneys not to take a case.
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
To speak with me further regarding an injury that occurred to you in Maryland while you were in the care of a doctor or hospital this is what I invite you to do. Pick up the phone and give me a call. I can be reached at 301-850-4832. I answer questions like yours all the time and I would be happy to listen to your story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
Boston Law Group, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 700
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
