Attorney
If you believe a doctor or medical facility mistake caused you or a family member to suffer harm, you may file a medical malpractice suit. How long does a medical malpractice lawsuit take? Each case is different, but if you contact the team at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP, we’ll outline all the steps involved in reaching a settlement.
What Factors Could Affect How Long a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Takes?
Several factors can affect the time required to reach a settlement. For example, in Washington, D.C., the law requires an attempt first to resolve the issues through mediation. If mediation doesn’t result in a settlement, your case may proceed further into litigation and eventually to a court trial.
The time required to gather, review, and prepare evidence could lengthen the post-mediation process. The evidence needed will include your medical record and may even include a doctor’s handwritten notes. Locating and reviewing this evidence could prove extremely time-consuming. Washington, D.C. also requires you to notify the doctor or medical facility of your intent to initiate a legal action at least 90 days before filing a lawsuit.
Why Does a Medical Malpractice Case Take So Long?
Several unique issues can come into play in a malpractice claim that determine how long it takes to resolve. Several mandatory steps occur during mediation and litigation. If the mediation process fails to produce an acceptable malpractice settlement, simply obtaining a trial date may take several months.
The time required to prepare for trial can also be a time-consuming portion of a malpractice suit. It could take months to interview the various medical personnel involved in a patient’s treatment and diagnosis.
How Long Does a Malpractice Settlement Take After the Case Enters the Litigation Stage?
Malpractice jury trials can be complex, and they could last weeks before reaching an outcome. It’s possible that settlement negotiations may continue after the mediation process ends and last throughout the litigation stage and even during trial in court.
The matter of how long a medical malpractice case could take to conclude can depend on the number of doctors involved in a patient’s treatment. Determining the at-fault party and convincing a jury who caused the harm requires strategic preparation.
How Could an Experienced Attorney Influence How Long a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Takes?
Although every case is different and involves unique issues, teaming up with an experienced malpractice attorney levels the playing field. A doctor or medical facility could mount a defense backed by well-financed and influential attorneys. It can require seasoned investigative skills to uncover how the harm occurred and present the details to a jury when needed.
You could lessen your concerns regarding how long a malpractice lawsuit could take when one of our skilled attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP handles your case. Whether your case requires filing in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, you can count on our seasoned knowledge of the relevant statutes and filing requirements.
We only charge a fee if we’re successful in winning your case. Contact us 24/7 to schedule a no-fee initial consultation.