Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - We're here to help.
Every case is unique, and at Hoffer & Sheremet we treat each case and client as an individual - not like a herd of cattle. Still, there are some questions we are asked by almost everyone who calls.
Table of Contents
ToggleHere are our most frequently asked questions (and some questions that should be asked):
We do our best to analyze whether or not you have a good case before we even agree to pursue your medical malpractice case. That includes reviewing any relevant documents, like medical records and contracts. If we don't think you have a good case, we will tell you. As hard as we try to predict whether you will win or whether the defendant will settle, anything can happen during litigation. Sometimes cases get stronger, allowing us not to compromise our settlement position, and sometimes they get weaker. We continually assess the strength of your case throughout the litigation and keep you fully informed.
There are time limits on when lawsuits can be filed. The time limit depends on the specific legal basis for the claim, your age and metal status, and the injury. It can be a complicated analysis. Generally, though, you have 2 years from the date of malpractice in a medical malpractice claim. This is not long. It takes time before a lawsuit is filed to gather records and documents, complete a thorough review, attempt pre-suit negotiation, and develop the best legal strategy for your particular case. If you think you have a case, do not delay in contacting us. We have set forth some of the more common deadlines in our article "Statutes of Limitation and Repose."
In valuing cases, we look at your damages, the strength of the case, the collectability of the defendant, and the costs of litigation.
"Damages" are losses suffered because of your injuries. They can be "economic" or "non-economic". Economic damages are money damages that can be calculated. These include lost wages, medical expenses, out of pocket costs, and replacement services, among others. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering. In some states, including Michigan, non-economic damages are capped for certain causes of action, including medical malpractice.
The strength of the case includes how clear liability is, the credibility of witnesses, and whether causation will be difficult to prove. The stronger your case, the more it is worth.
Most professional defendants are insured. Some aren't. Some are underinsured. Individual defendants may or may not be insured. It is very difficult to collect on a judgment from an individual without insurance If the defendant is "judgment proof", your case is worth less.
In Michigan, clients must pay the costs associated with litigation. A case is not worth the total amount of potential damages when costs are considered. Sometimes, it is more expensive to litigate a case than the maximum potential recovery would be. Those cases do not have a high value.
We consider all of these factors in determining the value of the case. Of course, our valuation is just our best estimate. The defendant could value the case very differently. And if the case proceeds to a jury, no one can predict what they would award.
Sometimes cases can be resolved with a phone call. Other times, it takes ten years to resolve a case. If liability is clear and the plaintiff seeks a reasonable amount in damages, many cases will resolve without needing to file a lawsuit. If the facts and law are not clear, or the plaintiff has credibility issues, the defendant is less likely to settle.
Some types of cases, like medical malpractice cases, have a waiting period before you can file your lawsuit. This adds time to the process. If there are any appeals of trial court orders, years can be added to the litigation.
Meanwhile, you might have medical bills to pay, rent or mortgage payments due, medications that you need, or other expenses and not have the money to pay for it. Because of this, even though we love going to trial, we work hard to settle your claim as quickly as possible for a fair amount.
Like virtually all plaintiff personal injury attorneys, we take medical malpractice cases on a contingent fee basis. That means that we do not charge you an hourly fee, and you do not need to pay us every month. Instead, we are paid when - and only if - we settle or win your case. If you don't recover, we don't recover. The industry standard provides for the attorney to collect 1/3 of the net recovery.
We do everything we can to provide efficient services. We also only charge for what we believe is fair. We do not charge you for any overhead expenses, including typical copying or printing fees, legal research program overhead, or secretarial tasks. We also believe that everyone is entitled to top-notch legal representation, so we work with our clients to establish payment plans that work for them.
The level of client involvement depends on the type of case and the injuries. In all cases, the client generally must answer written discovery by providing us with information and documents, and then signing their finalized answers in front of a notary. And as the plaintiff in a medical malpractice case, you will be deposed. You must attend mediation sessions and trial. Other than that, it is up to you how involved you are. Our malpractice lawyers will always keep you fully updated. And if you would like to attend routine court hearings or depositions, you are welcome to do so. Most importantly, we need to be able to reach you and have you respond to us promptly.
We would love to hear more about your case. You do not need an appointment for a phone consultation. Call between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday: 616.278.0888. You can also email us or fill out our Free Case Review form, below, anytime. Please have the following information for your phone consult or include in your email the following information:
- the name of the healthcare provider,
- what you think went wrong,
- the date of the malpractice,
- your injuries and damages.
During our initial consultation, we will be able to determine whether we would be the right attorneys for our case and whether your case should be further investigated. If so, we will need you to promptly gather all relevant documents, such as your medical file.
Here are some links to websites with general information about the law, Michigan's justice system, important procedural rules, and other helpful information:
Michigan Legislative Law Search
Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct
H/S Law Case Process
We get many questions from potential and current clients about the medical malpractice case process in Michigan. What are the steps to litigate a medical negligence claim? What stage is my case at in this process? Below is a guide to help answer those, and hopefully a few more, questions.
Start Your Free Case Review
Or call us at 616.278.0888. No appointment is necessary for an initial phone consultation.