When Should You Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

When medical treatment goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. A single mistake by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider can lead to long-term injuries, unnecessary procedures, or even death. But not every bad outcome is medical malpractice. So how do you know when it’s time to hire a medical malpractice lawyer?

At Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C., we understand the legal complexities surrounding medical negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered serious harm due to a provider’s actions or omissions, this guide will help you understand when to seek expert legal support—and why having an experienced medical malpractice attorney is essential.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider breaches the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. The standard of care refers to the level and type of care that a reasonably skilled healthcare professional would provide under similar circumstances.

Common forms of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Surgical errors, including leaving surgical instruments inside the body
• Medication errors or administering the wrong medication
• Errors involving the wrong body part
• Birth injuries
• Failure to obtain informed consent

If you believe your injuries were caused by a medical provider’s negligence, it’s time to consider contacting a medical malpractice attorney.

When to Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

There are several key signs that you should hire a medical malpractice lawyer:

1. You’ve Suffered Significant Injuries

Not every mistake rises to the level of malpractice. But if the error caused permanent disabilities, required corrective surgery, or led to long-term complications, the stakes are too high to ignore. Serious harm can result in lifelong costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

2. You Suspect Medical Negligence

If you feel your healthcare provider failed to follow the proper procedure, ignored symptoms, or provided a rushed or inadequate diagnosis, you may be dealing with medical negligence. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you gather evidence and prove negligence under Nebraska‘s medical malpractice law.

3. The Provider or Facility Won’t Answer Questions

When hospitals or clinics refuse to provide clear answers, or you feel they’re hiding information, it’s a red flag. An experienced attorney can demand access to your medical records, consult with medical experts, and determine whether your care fell below the accepted standard.

4. You’ve Received a Denial from the Insurance Company

Insurance companies may deny your claim even if the case has merit. If you’re being stonewalled or offered a lowball settlement, a malpractice lawyer can negotiate on your behalf or take the case to trial.

5. A Loved One Has Died Due to Suspected Malpractice

If a family member died under suspicious circumstances during or after medical care, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. In such cases, it’s critical to act quickly and hire a medical malpractice attorney to start the investigation.

How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Helps You

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer has a deep understanding of both personal injury and medical law. They’ll:

• Analyze your medical treatment and medical records
• Work with medical experts to build your case
• Help establish liability and the extent of your damages
• File a medical malpractice claim or medical malpractice lawsuit
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies
• Represent you in court, if necessary

These cases involve unique challenges—especially in proving that a healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused your injuries. That’s why having a seasoned malpractice lawyer on your side makes a real difference.

The Legal Process and Timeline

The legal process for a malpractice claim can be time-consuming. Nebraska has specific deadlines for filing a medical malpractice case, and failing to act on time may bar you from seeking justice.

The process typically includes:

1. Free consultation with a medical malpractice attorney
2. Review of medical records and evidence
3. Engagement of expert testimony
4. Filing the lawsuit
5. Negotiations with opposing counsel or trial

Your attorney will guide you through each phase, protecting your rights and maximizing your opportunity to secure fair compensation.

What Compensation Can You Seek?

In a successful malpractice case, you may be entitled to fair compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering
• Costs associated with permanent disabilities
• Punitive damages, in some cases

A skilled malpractice lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation to cover the full impact of your injuries and losses.

Why Choose Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C.

Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys understand what you’re going through. Medical errors can change your life forever—and when they do, you deserve to be heard. We offer knowledgeable legal representation, compassionate support, and a commitment to seeking justice for our clients.

Whether you need help with a wrongful death claim, a delayed diagnosis, or a medication error, we are here to help. We work with trusted medical experts, navigate complex litigation, and build strong cases based on facts, evidence, and results.

Learn more about when to hire a medical malpractice lawyer. Call Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. at (402) 462-5187 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward accountability and recovery.

FAQs: Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

What is the difference between a bad outcome and malpractice?

A bad outcome doesn’t always mean negligence. Malpractice involves a breach of duty by a medical provider that results in injury or harm.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Bring your medical records, a timeline of your care, bills, and any correspondence from insurance companies or providers.

Can I sue a hospital or just the doctor?

Both may be liable, depending on the circumstances. Your attorney can help identify the responsible parties.

How long do I have to file a claim in Nebraska?

Nebraska law sets strict time limits. It’s best to consult an attorney as soon as you suspect medical negligence.

What does it cost to hire a medical malpractice attorney?

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.