Doctors’ first steps after lawsuit filing are vital, warn attorneys

"He was so anxious to explain how he gained his expertise; he forgot that the question was [only] where and when he gained his expertise," she said.

Litigation counselors point to strong cooperation among physicians, insurers, and defense attorneys as one of the most vital components to the successful handling of a lawsuit.

"The legal system can be a very daunting place for physicians, but when the malpractice carrier and defense attorney work together as a team, they can help the physician navigate the process and hopefully win the case," Mr. Mitcham said.