Retaining Testifying Medical Experts
Call AMFS: (800) 275-8903
Return to home page
Selecting a medical expert(s) is the single
most important decision an attorney makes when
preparing a case. The impact that a physician
who is knowledgeable, prepared, experienced
and personable can
make on a case cannot be over estimated. However, many of these
intangible qualities are simply not apparent
from a C.V., nor
can they be deduced from the typical, hurried phone conversation
that many medical experts grudgingly provide
inquiring attorneys.
AMFS offers a far superior method for obtaining these critical medical
experts. Upon retention, one of our in house physicians will make
a doctor to doctor presentation of the medical malpractice issues present
in your case to a number of qualified, potential experts, in effect,
interviewing prospective medical experts on your behalf. To ensure
honesty and objectivity, our physician presents only the facts
to the potential medical expert and does not reveal whether the plaintiff
or the defendant has initiated the request. Thus, the initial
discussion of your case takes place in the context of total objectivity.
Conflict checks, our prior experience with the physician, the
tone of the conversation about your medical malpractice issues and your specific
case needs all inform our search for the ideal medical expert or experts.
Once you have accepted our selection, our staff works hard to
make sure that you remain in control of your expert(s) billing
and scheduling. Your expert is required to provide you with time
estimates for each task you have assigned and our office reviews
these estimates to make sure they are appropriate. If not, we
will modify your expert's estimate on your behalf. Our staff also
assists you in handling scheduling issues with your expert so
that your case moves forward smoothly and expeditiously. This
enables you to avoid procedural conflicts that can sour your working
relationship and sabotage your case. Fees
AMFS
begins each case with an initial deposit of $1500 per expert.
This deposit consists of a $500 one time administrative fee, which
is kept by AMFS, while the remaining $1000 goes into a retainer
account for your medical expert to bill against. Our medical
experts bill at an hourly rate of $400 to $500, depending upon
the specialty. The initial 2.0 to 2.5 hour period is typically
sufficient time for an initial review to be completed. If
this time is insufficient, your medical expert will provide you
with a reasonable time estimate prior to beginning their review.
|
