As noted, there are plenty of reasons why settlements are commonly the resolution of choice for medical malpractice claims. Those who are seeking compensation for injuries that were caused by medical malpractice can do several things to increase their chances of obtaining a fair settlement for their claim, such as: Hiring an experienced medical malpractice attorney to assist them as they navigate the personal injury claims process. The attorney can provide services to help the claimant avoid some of the most common issues that negatively impact a medical malpractice claim. These issues include managing the timeline of the case to ensure that a lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations, establishing a value to the claim that adequately compensates the claimant for the injury they incurred, understanding the type of evidence that is needed to prove the claim, and understanding how to negotiate with a medical malpractice insurer to avoid making mistakes that will result in the reduction or denial of the claim. Receiving the information necessary to understand how the case was valued, and what constitutes a fair settlement offer. It is important to know that all major decisions in the claim including the decision on whether to accept a settlement remain the client’s to make. A medical malpractice lawyer’s many important tasks is ensuring their client has the guidance they need to navigate the process and obtain a positive outcome for their claim. Carefully document all reports about the injury, as well as the names of any witnesses who were present when the error occurred. Exercising patience during the settlement process. Medical malpractice settlements often take up to 2-3 years to resolve by settlement. A settlement agreement can be made any time a claim is made until a trial has occurred. However, the court has not yet rendered a decision. This is a lot of time in which the claimant can grow impatient with the process and decide to accept whatever offer comes their way, even if that offer does not fully compensate them for their injury. It is important to remember, however, that settlements are final. Once an agreement is in place, the claimant waives their right to return and seek more money from the insurer if they later discover that the settlement was insufficient.