Filing a medical malpractice suit takes time and effort and is usually something many of us want to avoid.  However, if you find yourself in a position where you need to file suit, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Keep excellent records.  Gather as much information about the incident and your case as you can.  This includes all medical bills, reports, and extra costs incurred due to alleged malpractice.  Get a hold of as much of your medical files as you can and make copies of everything.  Also, take some time to write out an exact timeline of events involving the physician and any medical errors that incurred.  Match the timeline with your records so your attorney has a complete picture of the events that took place.
2. Choose a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice suits.  Make sure all your information is gathered and relatively complete before your first meeting.  The attorney will usually give you your first consultation at no cost; you’ll want to make the most of it by being prepared.
3. If you are thinking about filing a suit, check the statutes of limitation in the state in which you will be filing.  Different states have different deadlines for filing and malpractice suits must be brought within a certain period of time.  Don’t wait too long to act!

Keeping these three things in mind, your medical malpractice attorney should be aptly prepared to guide you through the rest of the process.  Though you can file on your own, it is recommended that you get adequate representation in cases of medical malpractice.