What documents will my medical malpractice attorney need?

When you have been injured or have had a medical condition worsened because a doctor did not meet the standard of care that other physicians would have met, you may have a right to seek compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. These are often complicated cases that take a great deal of both legal and medical knowledge. From experienced medical malpractice attorneys and expert medical testimony, you will need a team assembled to have a greater chance of success in such a lawsuit.

Your attorney will need several documents from you before he or she can get started on your medical malpractice case. These include:

— Medical records: Any medical records that pertain to the care you believe was subpar will tell more than you ever could. If you don’t already have copies of these records, you can tell your attorney where you received care, including all follow-up care, and he or she can get the records for you.

— Mental health records: If you have had to seek psychiatric care because of your illness, injury or medical condition, your attorney will need those records as well.

— Hospital bills: All medical bills pertaining to the incident in question should be turned over to your attorney. This includes bills for hospital stays, emergency room visits, doctors’ office visits, medical tests and more.

— Insurance information: Your attorney will need to know what your insurance has paid and what has been denied in terms of bills associated with the incident.

— Lost wages evidence: If you have been unable to work or earn as much as you did before the incident, you will need to show the wages you have lost. Prior pay stubs or wage records will help provide the court with the information it needs to determine if an award for lost wages is deemed appropriate.

These are just a few of the documents your attorney will need in a medical malpractice case. Your attorney can provide more information on other documents that may be needed.

Source: FindLaw, “Documents for Your Attorney: Illness & Hospitalization” Oct. 23, 2014