Filter by

star star star star star
07 Sep, 2016 by Vivienne
Kris is an outstanding mediator. He took the time to listen to both sides and knew the case well. He was able to get both sides to come to an agreement in a very respectful manner. I would definitely use him again.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Oct, 2024 by Teresa chan
We were hit by a drunk driver on the highway between Ferndale and Bellingham. Unfortunately the driver did not have insurance so we have to use our under-insured motorists insurance. We hired Tario and Associates to help us with the claim process. Our experience had been great from the beginning to the end. Michael Tario is professional with years of experience. His team was caring, patient, attentive, and followed my medical and chiropractic treatments with great details. Michael went the extra mile (with amazing knowledge and skills) in fighting us a settlement which was nearly 150% over the original settlement amount offered by the insurance company. I called him our "miracle lawyer!" Michael and his team definitely deserves a five star review and I have already recommended them to other people with legal needs.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Oct, 2024 by Mariah thompson
I was in a car accident 4 years ago and I picked Mr. Tario to be my attorney because of his credentials and reviews, and boy he did not disappoint! He takes no money up front, he gets the settlement you deserve, he takes his part and you take yours. Even though it took quite a while, Mr. Tario was always informative, kind, respectful, trustworthy, and his team is wonderful to work with. Knock on wood I don’t get into another car accident, but if I do I know who I will be calling first!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Sep, 2024 by Justin sherfy
I would use him again without hesitation. The case we had wasn't worth much money to him. I offered to pay him for his time, but he declined. He explained the process and the timeline when dealing with the insurance company. Everything unfolded as he predicted. He is a master of his trade.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
07 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
There's a lot of attorneys out there. If you were to metaphorically put them in a centrifuge the rarest element that you would be left with is Adam Karp. I recommend this professional.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Jul, 2024 by Mr anonymous
We took our beloved Italian Greyhound to our local veterinarian for a routine exam. To our surprise, the veterinarian informed us that our dog needed all his teeth removed. We were hesitant to accept this diagnosis, but the veterinarian insisted we follow his treatment plan, which included strong antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain medication. After two days, our dog became very sick. He stopped eating and drinking. We called the veterinarian's office every day, but they ignored us and did not return our calls. Finally, we had to take our dog to the emergency room. We were absolutely devastated when he died. The emergency room veterinarians said he had complications from the medications he was prescribed. A couple of days later, I got ahold of the original veterinarian. He was rude, argumentative, and denied any responsibility. I told him I would hold him accountable, and that's when I reached out to Adam. I am so glad I did. Adam got justice for our beloved dog and family member. He really cares about his clients. He is compassionate, tough, and an expert negotiator, able to maintain a strong position while showing a willingness to settle. Adam secured a very respectable settlement for us, much more than we were expecting.Our dog did not deserve what happened to him. Adam fights tirelessly for those who cannot defend themselves. Now, our family has closure, and the person responsible was held accountable. I am so glad we reached out to Adam.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
29 May, 2024 by Tim hertel
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
02 Feb, 2024 by Robert hoagland
Always a pleasure doing business with Tim.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Jun, 2023 by M b
Called this attorneys office looking to have them do an owner financing contract for us. The lady that answered the phone was asking numerous questions that a lay person would not know unless you were well versed in the subject. I explained to her that's why we were calling for attorney assistance and this route was suggested by our realtor. She very much enjoyed talking down to me. I would not use this office from that interaction alone.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Feb, 2022 by Bellingham local
Most excellent attorney. Very helpful and knowledgeable!
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Do for You

A medical malpractice lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence or misconduct of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals. These lawyers assist in cases where a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death. Medical malpractice cases can involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and other forms of medical negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to improper medical treatment, a medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options, file a lawsuit, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

When Should I Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is essential if you’ve been seriously injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider or institution. Situations where you should seek legal representation include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If a doctor fails to diagnose or delays diagnosing a medical condition, leading to harm or progression of the illness.
  • Surgical errors: Harm resulting from surgical mistakes such as operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or performing unnecessary procedures.
  • Medication errors: Injuries caused by prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, or mistakes made by pharmacists in dispensing drugs.
  • Birth injuries: Injuries to a newborn due to medical negligence during labor and delivery, such as failing to perform a timely C-section or improper use of delivery instruments.
  • Anesthesia errors: Complications arising from improperly administered anesthesia, which can lead to serious injury or death.
  • Inadequate follow-up or aftercare: Suffering due to lack of proper monitoring or care after a medical procedure, leading to complications.
  • Hospital or nursing home negligence: Harm caused by the negligence of hospital staff, nurses, or administrators who failed to provide adequate care.

Medical malpractice cases are complex, and hiring a lawyer early can help ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.

What Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Do?

A medical malpractice lawyer provides various legal services to help injured patients hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. Their responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating your case: Reviewing medical records and consulting with experts to determine if you have a viable claim based on the standard of care and harm suffered.
  • Filing a lawsuit: Initiating legal action by filing a complaint against the responsible parties in the appropriate court.
  • Gathering evidence: Collecting medical records, expert testimonies, and other relevant evidence to build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Working to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries without the need for a trial.
  • Litigating in court: Representing you during trial proceedings if a settlement cannot be reached, presenting evidence and arguing your case.
  • Calculating damages: Assessing the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
  • Handling expert testimony: Coordinating with medical experts who can testify on how the standard of care was breached and how it led to your injuries.

How Are Medical Malpractice Lawyers Paid?

Most medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Key aspects of this payment structure include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer's fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the settlement or award.
  • No upfront costs: You do not pay any legal fees unless the lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
  • Case expenses: Costs for expert witnesses, medical record retrieval, and court fees may be deducted from your settlement or award in addition to the lawyer's fee.

Always discuss the fee arrangement during your initial consultation to understand your financial obligations.

How Much Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is usually based on a contingency fee model. General estimates include:

  • Contingency fee: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total recovery amount.
  • Case expenses: Additional costs such as expert witness fees and court expenses can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you receive a clear explanation of all potential fees and expenses before proceeding with your case.

Top Questions to Ask a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with medical malpractice cases like mine?
    Confirm the lawyer has a successful track record with similar cases.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement.
  6. Have you worked with expert witnesses?
    Verify the lawyer's experience in collaborating with medical experts essential for your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association for their license and any disciplinary actions.
  • Review their experience: Look for specialization in medical malpractice and a history of successful cases.
  • Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
  • Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
  • Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Medical records: All documents related to your treatment and injury.
  • Evidence of harm: Photos, medical bills, and records of lost wages.
  • Communication records: Any correspondence with healthcare providers or institutions.
  • List of healthcare providers: Names and contact information of all involved medical personnel.
  • Questions for the lawyer: A prepared list to address all your concerns.
  • Timeline of events: A detailed chronology of your medical care and the issues encountered.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.

Scroll to top