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25 Nov, 2013 by Jon
I sought Fred's legal representation after being injured in an automobile accident last year. This is the first such experience I've had with personal injury representation, and, frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect. Fred came highly recommended and I am glad to say that, in the 18 months I've had the pleasure to work with Fred and his legal office, Fred has shown himself to be honest, intelligent, hardworking and caring. To some that may sound like too high praise. I suppose this may be true for some and that is why I feel very fortunate to have met Fred and entrust my legal matter into his capable hands.
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28 Oct, 2013 by Bobby t
I have used Fred Balkin and his staff at Stein Sperling on a number of occasions and have found him trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsive. I have referred several friends and they also echoed the compliments. Thank you Fred
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24 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I was referred to Mr. Fred Balkin after being involved in an accident that resulted in injuries requiring years of medical attention, including numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Fred built an entire team to handle this case. Fred and his team were honest and open with me regarding the case, which also lasted for years due to the extent of the injuries. A positive settlement was reached. I could not have survived the legal battles without this team, spearheaded by Fred. Fred and his team are honest, realistic, responsive, and keep their clients informed of every aspect of the case and potential outcomes. They help clients make informed decisions and seem to honestly care for their clients. I am grateful for the tremendous amount of work and hours that Fred and his team put into ensuring a positive outcome to this case. I have referred others to Fred and the firm. Further, if I ever have a question about other legal matters, Fred offers advice or refers me to a member of the firm who can handle the question.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Do not hire this attorney or this law firm. I hired Mr. Bender for a medical malpractice case he completely misrepresented himself and his abilities. He never gave a monthly accounting of fees. He said he had forty years experience yet could not handle the defense at trial. He did not have any support staff. Very low budget law firm.
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06 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Mine was not a typical case and had been mishandled by a number of other attorneys; Mr. Bender was considerate to seriously consider the case and get a reasonable resolution (in less time than most of the other attorneys had wasted). Definitely an integrous and competent attorney.
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16 Dec, 2020 by Ned
I have known Mr. Bender for a long time. In representing me, I found Mr. Bender to be sincere, sharp, professional, hard working, and most importantly very thorough. He always answered my questions and addressed my concerns. Mr. Bender amicably resolved my claims, and protected my interests. If you are looking for a superb lawyer, Mr. Bender is the best of best. I recommend him 100%.
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05 May, 2018 by Mark
Almost three years of giving me the run around regarding my case, Thomas contacted me the last week before the statue of limitations expired, and informed me that he couldn’t proceed with my case. I have sent him numerous emails and left him hundreds of voice mails but he never contacted me whatsoever. He only responded after I emailed him and informed him I was filing a complaint with the bar association (I have the paper work to prove my attempts to teach him and get an answer regarding my case). Trust me, take your business elsewhere.
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23 Aug, 2016 by Toon
mr doyle took my case 20 years ago and I was so impress that I recommended him to my whole family or anyone that need a great lawyer I promise you that you will be impress as I'm and those who I recommended him to.
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15 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
handled my case and a family member. Kept us informed, knows the law and is very side
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28 May, 2020 by Lisa
Stuart was so helpful in taking the time to review my case in person after connecting on Avvo. His time and expertise, as well as advice, was greatly appreciated. eview
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11 Feb, 2020 by Jimmie jaunt
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06 Sep, 2019 by Michael lamphear
A person I suspected of an attack I sustained at school was represented by David F. Ryder, Esq. My experience over the course of the lawsuit was unsettling.
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16 Jan, 2023 by Gm
Stay away from him. It's impossible to communicate with him given his bad attitude, nasty temper and some sort of learning disability. He turned a successful case into a disastrous failure for no apparent reason. He did not discuss the pros and cons of his approach and at the end of the process his charges turned out to be more that what the opposing side had asked to settle! Then the final outcome was a financial disaster for which I have to pay with my really hard-earned money forever. He should retire or better, be disbarred. A combination of greed and bad attitude plus incompetence. There was absolutely no reason not to settle but he made his money and "took tremendous pleasure" in ignoring the opposing attorney (who was actually more professional than him) basically ignoring what was good for me but pleasing himself at my cost. The legal system is plagued by monsters like this who act with impunity.
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05 Jun, 2019 by Laura
Jack is as kind as he is astute. I have met with him several times to discuss different issues and he has always gone out of his way to help. Jack has extensive experience handling several types of legal matters and you will find him to be dynamic and a resolute advocate. He helps clients to unburden themselves from conflict, offering pragmatic counsel on ways to get through the crisis. I endorse this lawyer and recommend his firm to any client seeking a lawyer with integrity who will be dedicated to serving the client's best interest. Jack's reputation in the legal community is platinum.
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11 Feb, 2020 by Jimmie jaunt
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06 Sep, 2019 by Michael lamphear
A person I suspected of an attack I sustained at school was represented by David F. Ryder, Esq. My experience over the course of the lawsuit was unsettling.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Anthony cowan
David Ryder was more representative of an upset twelve year old girl than an attorney. No professionalism here.
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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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