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20 Nov, 2018 by Daniel
In my profession (Police Detective Seattle Police) its sometimes hard to find legal advice that you can really trust. I did not hire John as he was able to assist me without retaining him. He spent a few hours on the phone with me which he did not have to do, and was able to coach me through the problem I was having. He went above anything I expected and yet wont let me buy him a beer. John, while you aren't my lawyer you have truly done a service to me that I am very thankful for. For you to consult with me the many times you did, at no cost I'm grateful.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Marae
John and his staff were great! They settled my case with more money than I had hoped for. My case was difficult to begin with since it was at a four way intersection and I was t-boned. John Greaney is a phenomenal attorney with years of experience and he's dedicated to do the absolute best for his clients. He's extremely intelligent and will fight tooth and nail for you, probably the best attorney I know and I work in this field. Insurance companies are no match for him to deal with. Highly recommend!
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09 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I was recently taken advantage of by someone in the medical field. It was a sensitive and tricky case but The Greaney Law Firm took it anyway. Karen Scudder and staff worked well as a team in support of John Greaney. They were all very respectful and sensitive to my needs. They helped me get the help I needed and fought hard for justice for me. John discussed my options with me when we got settlement offers. We held out for a larger settlement and got it! It far exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t have been more impressed with everyone in the office. I put my trust in them and they all really came through for me!-SL
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01 Oct, 2024 by Kristal box-robison
Skilled, experienced, compassionate and ferocious. That is Karen Scudder. I didn’t think I needed an attorney. Boy! Was I wrong! I was concerned about frivolous law suits, but after having to replace my vehicle and exhausting my personal injury coverage I still wasn’t okay. I prayed about it and started looking at attorney reviews. I was so blessed to find Greaney-Scudder! From the first meeting with Karen Scudder a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. Not only did she and her team take the burden of having to know the ins and outs of law and insurance, they advocated for me in many other ways…supporting me in finding the right doctors and encouraging me when hope for recovery failed. They freed me from the day to day stress and worry of my claim and pointed me to resources I wasn’t even aware I had. They checked on me and fought for me. If you want a skilled, knowledgeable, professional group of partners fighting to ensure you are treated fairly and that justice was being served Greaney-Scudder is the place to be.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Zak nash
If I could give karen and her team 10 stars I would. I was in a horrible car accident and during that time in my life, I was dealing with so many issues, problems, and overall difficulties because of the accident. There was one shining light and helpful aspect during that time for me which was Karen and her team at the law firm. Karen specifically but also the rest of her team was so helpful and fought for me every step of the way. Not only did they get me paid out to help me financially, but the level of stress that they were able to take off of my plate I could not put a value on. I highly recommend these guys to anybody that is looking for a phenomenal law firm to help you with your issues. Thank you Karen, Lashanda, and the rest of the team that I worked with. Thank you!!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Amirra and
I had the absolute privilege of being Karen's client after a rather harrowing accident and I could not be more grateful. Throughout the entire process, which took two years to complete, she was kind, thoughtful and my fierce advocate. From showing up while I was laid up to celebrating with me upon the closure of my case, she met my energy, was crystal clear with instructions and next steps and did a wonderful job at translating legal jargon. I also had the opportunity to communicate with Alla, her second. Alla was equally kind, helpful and efficient, which speaks volumes of Karen's business on a whole. I hope to never need her services again, however, should anyone I know come upon a need for representation, I am so glad to know her and to have her as a resource. Thank you, Karen, I am so grateful.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Kyle louie
They won my judgement, enough said. Kate, Shefali, and Jim are professional, accurate, and kind. Highly recommended to make headaches go away.
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24 May, 2023 by Shannon addis
Called and emailed wanting to engage their firm and didn't receive a return response for over 2 weeks and then I was given an email reply saying they had been on vacation. I was underwhelmed to say the least .
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08 Mar, 2023 by Jan górecki
Professional, awesome.
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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.

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