When you hire a medical malpractice attorney, communication is of utmost importance to help you and them deal with your case efficiently and effectively. Clear communication is key to avoid harming your case.
Why Clear Communication With Your Medical Malpractice Attorney Is So Important
You’ll Be Sharing Sensitive Information
You may have to share sensitive personal information with your attorney. Bear in mind that they won’t share this with anyone unless you permit them to; attorney-client privilege prevents them from disclosing anything without your consent. However, it takes a certain degree of communication to feel comfortable opening up and sharing important yet sensitive information.
You also need to be clear and concise when you share this information, so they can determine what sensitive information may help your case. You’ll likely also have to communicate what sensitive information you’re comfortable letting them share versus what information you’re not comfortable letting them share.
You’ll Need Some Things Explained to You
There are many legal terms and scenarios that may need to be explained to you throughout the case. Never be afraid to tell your attorney if you don’t understand something. They can’t read your mind, and you can’t read theirs. If they don’t understand something you say, then they’ll ask you to explain it again. You should never be afraid to do the same with them.
Your attorney understands that you’re not a legal expert. Great attorneys are happy to have you ask questions so they can break things down for you until you understand them. Visit this page to learn more about medical malpractice and contact attorneys who may take on your case and who can answer any questions you have about your situation.
You’ll Need to Learn to Trust Your Attorney
You’ll need to trust your attorney enough to share sensitive information with them, as mentioned earlier. However, as you work together, you also need to trust their advice and come to understand that they know what they’re doing even if they say or do something that seems counter-productive at the moment.
Trust that your attorney has an endgame and is playing a long game to try to win you the settlement you deserve. They won’t do anything that’ll be detrimental to your case. Look at past client testimonials and at the wins in your attorney’s case history if you’re having trouble trusting the things your attorney says or does throughout your case. Positive testimonials and lots of wins should calm your nerves. You can also ask questions if needed.
You’ll Need Them to Understand Your Objective
If you can’t communicate effectively, then your attorney isn’t going to gain a deep, clear understanding of your legal matter. You need to learn to share clear and concise information with your lawyer so they can get to know your case. All written testimonies should also be clear and easy to understand.
However, your attorney also needs to be aware of relevant limitations, objectives, and goals so they can help you to the best of their ability throughout the case. Failure to communicate these things may negatively impact your case.
What Happens When Client-Lawyer Communication Breaks Down
Your Case May Be Harmed
Failure to communicate effectively may harm your case. If you’re not clear and open with your attorney, then they won’t be able to build your case effectively. As medical malpractice cases are complex and rely heavily on facts, it’s not ideal when you can’t provide those facts clearly.
Your Client-Attorney Relationship May Sour
You’ll be working with your attorney for a long time, so you’ll need them to be someone you trust and are comfortable with. Poor communication can end up souring your relationship, making you uncomfortable working with them as time goes on. Always make sure you’re on the same page regarding communication to avoid souring your relationship for one or both of you.
Your Expectations May Be Unreasonable
Talking to your attorney should help you gain realistic expectations about the outcome of your case and how much you might recover in damages. You and your attorney should be on the same page regarding expectations, so you have an achievable goal to work towards together.
Your Preferences May Be Ignored
If you have a certain preference, such as settling without filing a lawsuit, then your attorney won’t know about this preference without client-attorney communication. You should communicate your preferences as early as the first consultation so your attorney can be strategic and attempt to adhere to your preferences while helping you recover compensation.
Communicating effectively with your attorney is the key to building a trusting relationship and helping them build a case for you that backs up your claim. Keep the lines of communication open so your attorney can help you with your case to the best of their ability.
