The Value and Settlement of My Case

 The value and settlement of a medical malpractice case can be difficult to determine.  Their are so many factors that go in to making an accurate determination of what a judge or jury might award if the case goes to trial.  Moreover, the case may have one value if it goes to trial and another value if it settles early on after a law suit has been filed.  Defense costs, the costs of experts and the risk of developing adverse evidence in discovery all play in to the valuation process at various stages of the litigation. 

In most states, if a plaintiff wins the case, he is entitled to collect interest on the judgment from the time of the rendering of the judgment until paid.  In some states, like Louisiana, if a plaintiff wins the case, he is entitled to receive interest on the judgment from the date the law suit (or medical review panel) was filed until it is paid.  Since these cases can drag on for years, interest on a medical malpractice case in Louisiana can be substantial.   Interest however, is not legally required to be paid if the case settles before trial.

Medical malpractice lawyers evaluate medical malpractice cases different than many other types of personal injury cases.  Generally, these cases are more expensive and have more risk involved as the trial approaches.  Even on great cases, problems with the availability of testifying expert physicians can present challenges to the case.  It does no good to have a great case, if the evidence cannot be conveyed to the judge or jury.