How To Find A Competent Birth Injury Attorney

One half of one percent of births in the United States involves what are called 'birth injuries.' This works out to 1 birth injury out of every 200 births. Birth injuries are typically the result of an improper procedure during birth or a loss of oxygen to the baby during delivery. An attorney who specializes in seeking redress for birth injuries is called a 'Birth Injury Attorney.' If your child suffered a birth injury, this article may assist you in finding a competent Birth Injury Attorney.

The rules that apply to finding a competent birth injury attorney are essentially the same rules as those for finding a competent attorney in any other field. Rule #1: get a list of lawyers by referral only. Do not start cold calling in the phone book. Ask your self, "Do I know a competent, approachable lawyer?" The field doesn't matter. It could be the lawyer who handled the purchase of your home.

What matters is that it is a lawyer who you feel good about and who feels good about you. Don't know any such lawyer? Call your parents, your siblings, your friends, your co-workers. One or more of them will either be a lawyer or will know one they trust. Get at least 3 names.

Rule #2: call every name on the list. Do not just call the first name - call every name. Tell each attorney the same thing: "I need a birth injury attorney. Can you recommend anyone?" Do not try and engage them in your story. Telling them that you need a birth injury attorney speaks volumes, just by itself. Rule #3: call every name on the new list. Rule #4: make appointments. Rule #5: keep the appointments.

At the meeting, the lawyer will want to know your story. Be prepared. Don't waste the lawyer's time, don't waste yours. The birth injury attorney must know the story to decide whether he can accept the case. That doesn't mean you have to accept him or her. Let the attorneys make their decisions, then you make yours.