Because doctors and nurses are only human, and their jobs entail very vigorous work, they bound to make mistakes. Just like at any job, doctors and nurses can be negligent when it comes to treating patients. That is where medical malpractice lawyers come in. A medical malpractice lawyer can work with a patient who has been improperly cared for to ensure they are awarded compensation for suffering they may have encountered at the hands of a negligent practitioner. In these cases, the physicians have attorneys protecting their rights, so patients and their families call on medical malpractice lawyers to protect theirs.
If this career interests you, read on to learn the steps that it takes to become a medical malpractice lawyer.
Step 1: Obtain an undergraduate degree from a reputable college or university. After graduating, take the LSAT. Most law schools require high scores from applicants. This is to ensure you have the basic law skills necessary.
Step 2: Obtain your law degree. It is recommended that during your time in law school, you try to get on as apprentice at some medical malpractice businesses. This will give you the valuable experience you need for the future, and allow you to see if this specialty is right for you.
Step 3: After graduating from law school, take the bar exam and pass. You may need to keep taking the bar exam in order to pass. Many who take it will need to do so multiple times in order to pass.
Step 4: Find a job with a firm that specializes in medical malpractice. The American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys requires that you take regular training in the field to keep up on new laws, unique law suits and to help you become a well rounded lawyer in your field.
Step 5: Pursue, and gain, a board certification in medical malpractice law. You will need to go through a lengthy process that includes character references and to be in good standing with the bar association. The reason for this is that you need to understand all of the complex medical terminology. You have to be able to understand what your client’s illness was as well as the effects of their treatment on them. This will enable you to choose the best experts to sit on the stand and testify on your client’s behalf.
Many people frown at medical malpractice lawyers or joke about "ambulance chasers." But the truth is that they play an important role in protecting the rights of patients who have been neglected medically. It is not only about the current case or lawsuit, but it is important to keep hospitals on their toes so that they adhere to the strictest guidelines when it comes to your health and that of your loved ones.
