Filter by

star star star star star
01 Sep, 2016 by Leonard
The law firm of Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead LLP is the best - Joe Mondock in particular. He took my son’s case after three other law firms declined – and two of the three chased us down, initially. The end result was that Joe Mondock got my son a decent settlement. The other law firms were too busy, or not interested, saying the injuries weren’t bad enough, the medical bills weren’t high enough ($7300), etc., even though the case had several rock solid aspects to it. My son and his girlfriend borrowed my car and stopped at a red light. A drunk driver slammed into the rear of my car and fled the scene. The drunk sped away with his airbag deployed, his trunk bent up and front end smashed. My son called the cops, and he and his girlfriend (she was driving) chased after the drunk in my damaged car ($6000 damage, in the shop for 100 days) and the drunk driver was apprehended after 7 miles of twists and turns. The drunk driver failed the sobriety test and was taken to jail. It was his 3rd DUI. None of this mattered to the other law firms. For them, it was all about the money, and they said there wasn’t enough money at issue. They told my son to settle it on his own. Of course, the drunk driver’s insurance company offered up “peanuts” when my son tried to settle with them. It was ridiculous. After we pondered the situation for a few months, luckily we saw the Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead television ad where they talk about “Walk-In Wednesday”. So, we met with Joe Mondock without an appointment the next Wednesday, and we discussed the potential case, at length. He said my son deserved more than the crap the drunk’s insurance company was offering. In fact, Mondock wrote up the complaint with an additional angle reflecting the drunk fleeing the scene - extra ammunition. To tell you the truth, at deposition, I don’t think the drunk driver’s attorney quite understood this additional aspect, nor their predicament. Mondock made the case about more than just the money. The defendant’s team understood eventually, when the case was settled for an amount double digits times what they initially offered my son. Bottom line, I give the law firm of Thorson Switala Mondock & Sneed a solid “A”, especially Joe Mondock. He wasn’t afraid to step up to the plate and take a swing, and fight the good fight.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
18 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I thought Joe did a wonderful job for my daughter's case. She was attacked by a dog and was bit two times on her face. Joe was very helpful and helped me every step of the way. I valued his opinion as I had to make the decisions for my daughter and I felt helpless but Joe was there every step of the way. He was very knowledgeable and always answered my questions quickly.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
05 Oct, 2014 by Pam
My family has obtained Joseph Mondock for legal services on 3 different occasions, different family members each time. Our choice of him originally started when I was in an auto accident and we contacted his offices for legal services. Mr. Mondock came to our home to get my information as I was in pain due to my injuries. He was very professional and caring and took the time to make sure that I understood everything and answered all questions. Throughout my case he was quick to respond to my calls and questions as well as giving updates so that I always knew what was going on. He worked hard to get me the best settlement possible and make sure all of my bills due to my accident were taken care of. There was little to no work needed on my part as Mr. Mondock handled everything with the insurance and medical bills which removed all the stress of the situation from me and made it possible to just heal and deal with my injuries. My husband ended up in an accident a few years later which was more extensive and time consuming than mine. When we determined that we would need a lawyer, we did not hesitate in contacting Mr. Mondock for his services. He once again provided the same excellent service to the point that he makes you feel as if you are the most important case he has. My husbands recovery and medical care was much longer than mine and Mr. Mondock still took care of all details for this extended time and got us a generous and much appreciated settlement. Recently my son was in an accident due to an uninsured motorist and we immediately contacted Mr. Mondock to get his help in how to handle such a situation. He gave us the straight truth about how to deal with it and did not try to promise that he could do something that might not be possible just to get business. Mr. Mondock once again handled all of the details and worked with our medical insurance as well as our auto insurance for the uninsured motorist claim in order to get the claim handled the best possible way. He was even able to get the medical insurance to accept a lower amount for their reimbursement in order to provide my son with a larger settlement amount. Every time that we have obtained Mr. Mondock he has provided excellent service and has never let us down. We have been completely satisfied with his efforts and would highly recommend his services to anyone. We greatly appreciated all of his hard work and the stress that he removed from us by him handling all aspects and details of our claims.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
09 Jun, 2013 by R.e. powell
We could not be more happy with a devastating situation. When someone you love gets into an accident and it takes their life, Jim Thorson and Gill Switalla, (of Thorson, Switalla, Mondock and Sneed) become part of your family. They worked for us as if it was their personal loved one that was lost. Jim personally could not have understood our pain and the reality of medical bills afterwards. To lose your parent at the hands of an uninsured 17 year old is bewildering. Jim Thorson took a hot-mess and bent but never broke on our case. We won but would rather have our father back. Jim and his office will stop at nothing to get just-due in what is fair, honest and right! We thank you from our hearts...
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I was very impressed with the amount of time Mr. Snead spent on my case. He had brought to light a few things I had never considered before. Very well prepared and knowledgable of my type of situation and explained everything I needed to know in detail. I will call Mr. Snead if I ever need any kind of legal help again. Thanks Jeff.
Read more Avvo
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