How Much Does it Cost to Sue a Hospital?

Thursday, December 7, 2023

How Much Does it Cost to Sue a Hospital?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

When a hospital or one of its providers is negligent or participates in medical malpractice, you might be wondering if you can sue the hospital. The answer to that is yes. Your next question might be how much it will cost to file a lawsuit. The answer to that question is more complex. The hospital has teams of lawyers who will diminish your injuries and submit inadequate compensation offers. The costs associated with suing a hospital will be contingent on several factors.

The Cost of Legal Representation

The biggest question victims have is how much legal services will cost. You are already handling mountains of debt and medical bills. The last thing you want is exorbitant legal costs, too. Our medical malpractice lawyers at Malman Law will make our services as accessible as possible. We want you to get the compensation you deserve without breaking the bank. As with most personal injury firms, we start with a free initial consultation.

We can further discuss the cost of legal services during the initial consultation. We will explain our costs and any charges you may encounter throughout your case. We will also examine case viability, such as who is responsible and if you can request damages. The compensation you may receive and your right to compensation will also be discussed within an initial consultation. We can also answer any questions you may have about your potential claim.

If you and the attorney decide to move forward, they will likely be working on a contingency fee. While they were addressed during your consultation, it is essentially a fee structure where plaintiffs pay nothing upfront. So, the attorney will only get paid upon case resolution. The payment will be a percentage of your settlement. This means you can afford legal representation when you are suing a hospital.

Is it Worth Filing Medical Malpractice Claims?

Often, many lawsuits regarding hospitals are the result of medical malpractice. Contingency fee terms can quell some fears, but they can bring up more for others. Some people may consider whether it is worth filing a medical malpractice claim. Remember, once your case is resolved, your attorney will work with medical providers to pay your medical bills. Sometimes, you will pay less than you thought. In most cases, you will have a substantial amount left over.

You could have substantial medical treatments and expenses that result from medical negligence or malpractice. The more invasive the new treatment you require, the higher your medical bills can be. You may also need assistive devices to go about your daily life. Home and vehicle modification are also costs you can encounter. Some injuries will leave people with ongoing medical bills. You can cover all these losses if you recover a medical malpractice settlement. These funds may not make you complete again, but they can help you rebuild your life.

Is Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Worth It?

When you compare the pros and cons, you may find that legal representation is your best route. Some plaintiffs will try to handle these claims independently. It is your right and decision what to do. There are some benefits to having legal support from a personal injury attorney, such as:

• Increase your compensation recovery: substantial information suggests injury victims who work with a lawyer often get higher settlement offers. This is compared to people who handle these cases independently. Defendants are more likely to take the claim seriously than when you do not have any representation. You can also understand the compensation you could be entitled to, which may include items you had not previously thought of.
• Build your case: since attorneys have experience handling similar cases, they can effectively build a case. Without legal experience, you could be left having to take the claim process, file motions, create a demand package, and attend court hearings. Despite medical treatment and other hardships, you will be responsible for these tasks. You will also have to take on any expenses from the legal process, like filing fees.
• Alleviate stress: when the hospital knows you are handling your case alone, they will throw additional stress your way. They will put you before a review board, bombard you with legal documents, and more. It can be an extra layer of stress you did not need or expect. A personal injury lawyer will alleviate your stress by dealing with the hospital review board, insurance adjusters, and opposing counsel.

Fees That May Arise From a Medical Malpractice Claim

If you file a medical malpractice claim independently, you can be responsible for several fees. Conversely, a medical malpractice attorney can handle these fees for you if they represent you. These fees include:

• Filing fees: when pursuing a lawsuit, you must file documents with the local court. Initial and additional filing costs depend on how many motions and other necessary steps.
• Graphics and charts: you may have to craft or research charts and graphs relevant to your case. These will then be presented to the defense or during trial. There are fees associated with creating these.
• Expert witness fees: you will need medical experts to review your medical files and history. Their reviews and testimony come at a cost. They can place their costs independently, which can be thousands of dollars.
• Financial professional costs: to determine the total value of your case, a financial expert could be necessary. They can assess future lost income and medical expenses.

Ultimately, when you begin to tally up all the costs of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you would be looking at thousands in expenses. You should ask yourself if you can afford these fees or if you would prefer that a legal team handle them.

Working With Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers

When you need legal assistance to sue a negligent hospital, hiring a medical malpractice attorney is best. You make the right choice when you work with Malman Law. We can navigate the medical malpractice process. We fight for fair compensation for our clients. We have recovered millions for our clients. Schedule an initial consultation today.