In order to start a medical malpractice lawsuit in New York, the plaintiff’s attorney has to submit a certificate of merit to the court. In New York, the law requires that when you want to start a medical malpractice case, you must acquire confirmation from a medical expert, who has treated you or reviewed all your medical records. The medical expert must confirm that:
If you think you are the victim of medical malpractice, you may often wonder why the hospital does not want you taking photos of you inside the intensive care unit. When you are in the hospital and you start taking pictures, people start asking many questions. Why do you need to take photos? Why are there so many people in here? The fact is you are documenting something, and you have every right to document exactly what is happening to you.
If you have hired an attorney to handle your medical malpractice case in New York, and you are not happy with his performance, then can you switch attorneys? The answer is yes, as you have the legal right to go to any attorney you wish, and at any time that you wish. You may have started your medical malpractice case with one lawyer and by the time the case has progressed halfway, you may not be satisfied with his performance for whatever reason, you have every right to hire another attorney, and even another attorney after that, and so on.
When a medical expert takes the stand, either for supporting the victim or defense’s position, the two lawyers have the chance to ask the witness several questions. One of the important questions would be asking the doctor, his opinion, and conclusions he has reached after reviewing the medical records of the patient. The defense attorney will ask similar questions. The question is why the attorneys would do that.
In a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff’s attorney receives the opportunity to ask questions to the doctor regarding the incident, at the deposition. This question and answer session takes place in an attorney’s office, under oath, and whatever is said during the deposition can be presented as evidence during the trial. Before the deposition, the plaintiff’s attorney reviews the case file and medical records of the patient.
