The True Costs of Medical Malpractice Cases

Nothing is more important than your health and happiness. However, both of these things are reliant on the skill and care of others. We depend on physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to take care of us when we are sick or heart.

Unfortunately, sometimes healthcare professionals aren’t as skilled or don’t act with as much care as they need to. In such instances, you or a loved one could end up suffering injury, disability, or other adverse reactions to improper treatment.

The best way to get the help you need in times like these is to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. This will allow you to receive proper compensation to help you pay for any medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering you may have experienced.

If you’re worried about not being able to afford a medical malpractice suit, keep reading. The medical malpractice lawyers at Selingo Guagliardo are here to help. Below, we’ve put together a helpful guide so you can understand the true costs of medical malpractice cases.

What Are the True Costs of Medical Malpractice Cases?

If you decide to represent yourself in court, you will need to pay the costs of medical malpractice cases upfront. First, you should be aware that it can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 to file a lawsuit in court. 

You will also likely need to cover the costs of copying all medical records relevant to your case. The fees associated with expert witnesses can also end up in the tens of thousands of dollars. 

However, if a lawyer represents you, the attorney’s office will cover your initial costs. If the case succeeds in court, the lawyer will take the costs out of your out-of-court settlement or court award.

Why You Should Pursue a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

If you have undergone a significant injury due to medical malpractice, it will benefit you to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. A settlement out of court or a court award could grant you:

• Compensatory damages

• Punitive damages

Compensatory damages involve medical expenditures, living expenses, and lost earning potential. They also include pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures and disfigurement. You can be awarded punitive damages only if the physician or healthcare professional is found guilty of reckless or outrageous wrongdoing.

The Average Cost of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

On average, the costs of preparing and conducting a medical malpractice lawsuit are anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. More complicated cases can cost more than $50,000 up to as much as $100,000. The costs will cover:

• Expert medical witness testimony

• Obtaining medical records and detailed information

• The technology used to explain negligence and injury in a case

• Court fees

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice

What percentage of malpractice cases settle? 

The vast majority of medical malpractice cases settle out of court. One study found that 93 percent of malpractice cases are settled before going to trial.

What is the average payout for medical negligence?

In 2018, the average payout for a medical malpractice case was $348,065, according to the Expert Institute. Defendants paid a total of $4,031,987,700 to plaintiffs that year, which was a 2.91 percent increase from 2017.

What are the odds of winning a medical malpractice suit?

Research shows that cases with weak evidence win only 10 percent to 20 percent on behalf of the plaintiff. When it comes to toss-up cases, the plaintiff wins 30 percent of the time. When you present strong evidence of medical negligence, the plaintiff wins 50 percent of the time.

How Selingo Guagliardo Can Help

If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you don’t have to go through it alone. The experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Selingo Guagliardo can provide you with the support and guidance necessary to help you in your time of need.

Contact Selingo Guagliardo now. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Contingency Fees in Personal Injury Cases

Dealing with an injury is a difficult undertaking in any situation. When it is compounded by the need for legal remedy due to a third party’s negligence, that only adds to the burden of recovery. Having a comprehensive understanding of the legal process, including compensation for your legal representation, can take away some of that stress. 

While some people may have a lawyer on retainer, or pay for legal services hourly, most plaintiffs and attorneys in personal injury cases enter into a contingency-based fee agreement. Contingency fees have a number of benefits for both the client and the attorney as compared to set hourly or retainer fee structures.

Learn all about how this pay structure works by reading below.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee is an arrangement between the client and attorney by which the attorney receives a portion of the judgment in return for his or her services. The client pays no money out of pocket at any time during the representation period.

If the client wins a judgment, the attorney receives a portion of the judgment. This can be an agreed-upon set amount, but typically it is a percentage of the total judgment. If the client does not win a judgment, then the attorney receives no payment.

The reason that most personal injury plaintiffs attorneys use a contingency fee agreement is that it’s advantageous in a number of ways for both the client and the attorney.

No out-of-pocket cost for the client

Most people cannot afford to keep an attorney on retainer or pay the hourly fee associated with attorneys’ services. Therefore, a contingency agreement allows a person in need of representation to hire an attorney without having to pay any upfront or throughout the lawsuit with no guarantee of a favorable settlement.

Both parties are incentivized

In a contingency agreement, both the client and the attorney have an incentive for success. The client obviously wants to get compensated for their injury, and the attorney wants to earn money for his work and attention to the case.

If recompense for both parties is contingent on a successful outcome, then both parties will work hard to realize that outcome.

More efficient work

An attorney working on an hourly fee structure will have no incentive to work quickly. In fact, it is in the interest of that attorney to put in as many hours as possible.

By contrast, attorneys working on a contingency fee will have every reason to work quickly to resolve the case so that they can collect their fee. This does not mean, however, that they would have a reason to cut corners or provide less than top effort. Indeed, the attorney will want to make the best possible case for his client to ensure the highest possible judgment.

Helps ensure quality cases

A contingency-based agreement will help ensure that your case is legitimate. An attorney will not take a case on contingency unless they believe that the case has merit and is winnable. This is by no means a guarantee of success, but it does mean that neither the client nor the attorney is wasting their time with a frivolous lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are contingency fees good for the client?

In a word, yes. Contingency fees are beneficial for all the reasons discussed above, for both the client and the representing attorney.

• How much is a contingency fee?

The fee structure varies from case to case. Typically, a contingency fee will be around one-third of the judgment plus associated fees. However, the percentage can range from 30-50% depending on the law firm and the nature of the case.

• What other costs are associated with a contingency fee?

Aside from front the attorney’s fee, ancillary costs can include:

•  court filing fees 

• hiring experts

• evidentiary gathering

• hiring of a private investigator

• Other miscellaneous fees related to the lawsuit

Selingo Guagliardo Is Here to Help

Dealing with injuries is never fun. Neither is going through a lawsuit. However, if you do find yourself needing a car accident lawyer in Kingston, PA, give us a call.

We are always available to help you find remediation for a negligent act that resulted in harm. It is not necessary for you to dole out substantial sums of money or jeopardize your financial life to get the help you need.

Reach out to us today to find out about your options so we can help you go forward with your life once again.

Top 6 Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

At Selingo Guagliardo, we know that it's never easy to hire a lawyer. You might need one if you've been in a car accident, though? So, how do you know which lawyer to hire? Where do you start your search for the right attorney?

You can't just pick any lawyer off the street and hope for the best. You want someone who is experienced with car accidents, knowledgeable about your state's laws, and who has won cases like yours before.

The first step of finding that person is asking yourself these six key questions:

• How much experience do you have with car accident cases like mine?

• How much of the settlement will be left after all expenses are paid if you win my case?

• What happens if we lose my case - can I still get a settlement offer from the insurance company  

• What should I expect after hiring an attorney - what happens next, and when will we know whether we've won or lost the case?

• Do you charge an hourly fee or a flat rate, and what are the charges for each type of case?

• Is there anything else that I should know before hiring you as my lawyer?

Experience

The first thing you'll want to know about your potential lawyer is how many years of experience they have.

More experienced lawyers are generally more familiar with the ins and outs of auto accident cases. In contrast, someone who just recently became a lawyer or just passed the bar exam could potentially be less knowledgeable.

There's no exact number of years you should look for, but you can ask your prospective attorney specific questions that will give you an idea whether you're dealing with someone new to a practice or if they've been around for a while.

Settlement Offers

If you win your case, you'll want to know how much you will be receiving in settlement money.

It's difficult for you to determine whether you're being offered a fair settlement offer, but you should have some idea of what you expect your future case to bring if you were to fight it in court.

Remember, no reputable lawyer would take on a case that doesn't have the potential to win. 

Losing a Case

Before you hire a lawyer, you should know what you will do if you lose the case but are offered money by the insurance company.

You can always refuse the offer and pursue another avenue of compensation, such as filing a lawsuit against the other driver.

Your attorney should be able to help you with this decision, so you know whether or not it's worthwhile for you to accept an early settlement offer instead of seeking damages through your court case. 

Expectations

Most people who hire lawyers assume they should sit back and wait until their case is finished.

While you may not need to attend any hearings or trials, you will still need to meet with your attorney regularly for consultations about your case.

Your lawyer needs you present at these meetings because you're the one with knowledge about what you think happened during the accident - not them. 

Don't hesitate to ask your prospective attorney how many consultations you should expect each month so you know whether you can expect your case to come together quickly or if it will take some time before anything comes of it.

Hourly Fee vs. Flat Rate

Most lawyers charge on an hourly basis because they have to spend time researching your case, conducting depositions, reviewing documents, etc., whereas some lawyers charge you a flat rate. After all, you agree to pay them a certain amount for their services.

Some lawyers will offer you an hourly and contingency fee if you win the case, whereas others will give you a flat rate for your retainer and your settlement money. You must know how each of these rates works before signing any contracts with your lawyer.

Additional Information

Finally, don't be afraid to ask your potential lawyer if there's anything else you should know before hiring them. Your lawyer should have more experience than you in cases like a car accident, and they should be willing to help you with anything you don't understand.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer in Kingston, PA

Car accidents are incredibly traumatic legal experiences, but you don't have to go through them alone. With this guide, you'll be able to find the right lawyer for you in no time at all. Following these questions will ensure your case is in good hands and help you win. Contact the car accident lawyers in Kingston, PA, for all your car accident needs.

7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Law Firm

When people need legal representation, they usually have a complicated issue that they cannot resolve alone. Therefore, the law firm they hire should be one that can help them effectively and efficiently. 

Choosing a law firm can be a life-and-death decision. It might also protect your livelihood or protect you from predatory groups that want access to your finances. So when you need a lawyer, take time to consider several factors before you sign on the dotted line. 

Find a Lawyer with the Right Expertise

While a lawyer's job is to understand and interpret the law, not all use the law in the same industries. For example, if you need to dispute an insurance claim in Kingston, PA, but your lawyer only has expertise in business issues, you should look elsewhere for service. 

When you work with a lawyer who has expertise in your area of need, the process moves smoothly, and you get the best service for your money. You also get peace of mind knowing that your lawyer understands the needs of your case. 

Investigate Their Fee Schedules

Lawyers do expect to get paid for their services. Therefore, when you need slip and fall lawyers in Kingston, PA, ask their fees before you sign. They should give you an estimate of the cost of your case. They should also tell you how they expect to be paid and what deposits they require. 

If the law firm will not tell you the fee schedule before you commit to them, walk away and find a firm that is upfront about their fees and client payment schedules. You want to work with an honest firm that does not hide any details from you.

Knowledge of the Area

Some lawyers have offices all over the country, while others prefer to engage only with residents and businesses. If they aren't a local firm, they may not have expertise in your local area's rules and regulations, so they might need more hours to complete your case. 

If you were a victim of a car accident, you'll want car accident lawyers in Kingston, PA, who know the state laws so they can properly investigate and protect you. Lawyers who do not know the area won't get you what you need in a respectable time frame.

Communication Style

When working with medical malpractice lawyers in Kingston, PA, you want regular communication. Your attorney should return your calls, respond to your emails, and keep you up to date on the status of your case. In addition, they should be ready to answer your questions, without making you wait too long. 

The best law firms value their clients and communicate regularly with them. When your health, business, or life's on the line, you want a lawyer who respects your time and concerns. 

Respect for Diversity

The best law firm respects diversity in the community. They have lawyers from various ethnic backgrounds and different legal programs. They know how to help their clients make decisions based on moral, financial, personal, and cultural considerations. 

Impressive Reputation

Lawyers automatically get a bad reputation simply because of the work they do. While some lawyers are less than ethical, most enter the field because they want to help people. As you look for a law firm, consider the firm's reputation. If you've heard of the firm, it's either for exceptional work or because they have a poor reputation in the community. 

Read reviews online and ask your friends and colleagues for help finding a reputable law firm. Also, look for news articles about the law firm, as you can see how often they win or lose their cases in your community. 

Problem-Solving Skill Set

When someone sues you or needs help with a difficult issue, you need legal representation that helps you achieve your goals. The best help for any legal problem is an attorney who can solve a problem without getting overwhelmed. 

The best lawyers anticipate problems so they can have solutions ready to go. They should also be able to negotiate as a problem-solving skill, so they can get you the compensation and protection that you need. 

Choose the Best Law Firm in Kingston, PA

If you want a law firm that will solve your problem efficiently and communicatively, call Selingo Guagliardo. We always put our clients first. Whatever your needs or priorities, you can rest assured that you will receive the very best legal representation.

Come in today for a free consultation.

Why Lawyers Love to Take on Personal Injury Cases

Those who do what they love are generally great at their jobs. Most reputable personal injury lawyers, especially those at Selingo Guagliardo, love what they do. And they love it with good reason. They understand what their work means to their clients recovering from injuries from slips and falls. Injuries caused by the negligence of others shouldn’t leave those hurt without a way to support their families and pay their medical bills. 

Because of their sense of justice, personal injury lawyers love their jobs when their representation helps injured clients recover and move on with their lives after an automobile accident or slip-and-fall injury.

Lawyers who love their jobs look forward to working for their clients. With this in mind, here are some of the things we lawyers love most about personal injury law.

The Reasons We Love Taking on Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury law attracts lawyers with unique skills and core values. Lawyers love personal injury cases, not because of the unfortunate circumstances that lead to them, but because they align with their sense of purpose. Here are some reasons why lawyers love personal injury law, things you should keep in mind if you’re looking for slip and fall lawyers in Kingston, PA.

We Get to Know Our Clients 

Good personal injury lawyers get to know their clients. They understand how an accident can keep them from working and supporting their families. They like their clients and want to help them return to the lives they enjoyed before being injured. 

We Provide Our Clients with Justice

An innocent client is injured in a slip-and-fall accident because of someone else’s negligence. Now they may be unable to work or do the things they used to enjoy, such as playing with their children or simply going for a walk. Reputable personal injury lawyers love to set things right, getting a fair settlement or judgment for their clients.

We Work to Help Others 

When a personal injury lawyer meets clients for the first time, it’s usually at a painful time. However, these lawyers love to take what was a painful experience and make it a positive one.  

We Represent Individuals Against Corporations

When one person faces a large corporation, they shouldn’t go it alone. Personal injury attorneys love making the playing field even for their clients, standing up for fairness for those they represent.  

We Can Share Medical Information 

To represent their clients well, personal injury lawyers continuously stay updated with the latest developments in medicine and medical technology.

We Can Connect You With Our Colleagues

Personal injury lawyers work within the legal system, so they know many legal professionals, including judges and paralegals. These lawyers can also work in personal injury law firms with fellow attorneys who share their values of compassion, fairness, and justice values. 

We Have the Technological Resources to Succeed

The best personal injury attorneys put the latest technology to work to demonstrate a client’s injury and the negligence that caused it. 

We Strive for Professional Excellence

The personal injury lawyers of Selingo Guagliardo are civil trial advocates certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an agency accredited by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The best personal injury lawyers seek excellence in all they do. 

We Listen and Communicate

Personal injury lawyers are usually excellent communicators. They represent their clients in court by convincingly arguing their cases. They also represent their clients in negotiations, communicating with insurance companies and others to get them a fair settlement. Listening is essential to communication, and this is where the best personal injury lawyers excel. They listen to their client's needs and go to work to get them the best settlement or judgment.

We Help to Make the World Safer 

Accidents happen when companies or individuals are negligent and people are hurt. However, because of personal injury lawyers' efforts, companies and individuals pay more attention to safety.

Find a Personal Injury Lawyer to Represent You

When you've been hurt by someone else's carelessness, getting the best car accident lawyers in Kingston, PA, is essential. A good lawyer will provide protection and work to bring the best judgment or settlement. This allows injured clients to recover and move on with their lives and protects those who depend upon them, too.

The reputable personal injury lawyers of Selingo Guagliardo love the practice of personal injury law. We enjoy helping our clients recover from injuries and regain their lives after an accident or fall. The core values of fairness and justice fuel their efforts to represent clients against large insurance companies and corporations.

Find a personal injury lawyer by talking to Selingo Guagliardo. By speaking to us directly, you can learn more about our representation and the difference that getting a good personal injury lawyer can make. Call (570) 287-2400 for a free consultation.