Can You Look Up Your Lawyer’s Success Rate Online?

When you’re choosing an attorney for a medical malpractice lawsuit, it’s critical to know if they’re the right one for your case. You might want to know how many cases they’ve won, and especially how many cases they have won in your particular field. Is it possible to know how many medical malpractice cases they have won or how many they have lost? Where can you find this information?

Unfortunately, you cannot look up an attorney's medical malpractice record, simply because states do not keep records of lawyers’ success rates in that way. Some cases may never go to trial. If they settle, settlements are usually kept confidential. Cases that do go to trial may be sealed — kept confidential by the court.

What Information Can You Look Up on Prospective Lawyers?

Although you may not be able to look up the success rate of lawyers, there is other information you can obtain.

State Bar Profile

Each state has its own bar association, and all attorneys and law firms must register with the state bar to practice law. The state bar maintains a website where members of the public can see an attorney’s information. For example, you can use Connecticut’s Judicial Branch look-up site to check an attorney’s track record.

The state bar profile will give you the following information:

• The attorney’s name and address
• Their firm, if they are associated with one
• Their bar number or license number
• Their status as active or inactive
• Their admission date
• Their record of past or current disciplinary action

If the attorney has disciplinary action against them, they cannot practice until the action has been cleared. If they are inactive, they may be retired, voluntarily inactive, or deceased. Any further information about the attorney may be found by contacting the Superior Court.

Testimonials

Testimonials are like Google reviews for attorneys. An experienced attorney should have good testimonials, and they should display them prominently on their website or social media page. Just like a Google or Yelp review, clients should be wary of an attorney who has nothing but glowing five-star reviews. Referrals are another type of testimonial, so look for reviews that mention recommendations.

Peer testimonials are awards and reviews given by other attorneys and professionals in the legal field. These are prestigious awards granted to attorneys and law firms that have distinguished themselves by winning cases for plaintiffs in civil law, or for defendants in criminal law. These awards are often displayed on a firm’s home page as well as in legal magazines and social media pages.

Legal Field Specialization

When an attorney passes the bar and is allowed to practice law in their state, they may practice any area of law. If they wish to call themselves “specialists” or label themselves as “certified” in a particular area of law, they must meet their state bar’s requirements for that field of expertise.

Each state has its own requirements for various specializations and some states do not have specializations or certifications in all areas of the law. For instance, Connecticut only has board certifications in Worker’s Compensation Law, and recognizes specializations in six other areas. This does not mean that non-board-certified attorneys are not proficient, just that board-certified attorneys have more experience in a specific field.

What Questions Should You Ask When Hiring a Medical Malpractice Attorney?

If you need a medical malpractice attorney, you should not be afraid to ask questions before entrusting them with your case. Most attorneys offer a free consultation during which you can ask them some important questions. Below are a few examples:

• How long have you been practicing medical malpractice? Be sure to pose this question to the individual attorney who will be handling your case. Sometimes the firm will boast “a hundred years of experience,” but your attorney may only have five or six years of practice.
• What is your medical expertise? A good medical malpractice attorney should understand the terminology used in medical charts and reports. They should know what technology and medication are appropriate in your case.
• How many cases have you taken to trial? Your attorney and firm should always be prepared for trial. Even though most malpractice cases settle, settlement is possible because the attorneys are prepared for trial regardless.
• How many cases have you won? Don’t be afraid to ask about the success rate of a specific firm.
• Is there time to make this case? Be sure to ask about statutes of limitation and statutes of repose. The Connecticut statute of limitation is two years from the date of injury, but the statute of repose — which extends the time limit beyond that period — is only three years.
• Will you take this case if it is appealed? It can be discouraging to know that even if you win your case, the defendant can appeal the verdict. Some attorneys are unable to handle appeals, but if they are, ask about their appeal success rates. This may be a factor in determining if you want to retain them.

Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions. You are their legal client and they should answer any questions you might have regarding your case. 

Partner With One of Our Malpractice Attorneys

If you believe you have a medical malpractice case, come speak with the attorneys at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C. We have handled many medical malpractice cases and feel confident we can provide you with the proper assistance. Our attorneys want to help you get the compensation you need and the justice you deserve.

Our attorneys will review the facts of your situation thoroughly to determine if you have a solid case. We will be honest in our assessment, and if you have a case, we will proceed to the lawsuit. If our review shows there was no malpractice, then we will let you know. We believe in honest communication with our clients.

All medical malpractice cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. The initial consultation is free, and we’re here to answer all your questions. Contact us today, or fill out our intake form and we will get back to you right away.