As a veterinarian, you are constantly faced with litigation risks. Whether it’s an unhappy client or a disgruntled employee, you’re bound to need an attorney sooner or later. When it comes to veterinary practice litigation, choosing the right attorney is extremely important, as the stakes in these types of cases can be high. So, before you choose an attorney, you should understand what to look for. In this article, we share some tips for picking a veterinary practice litigation attorney.
Past Results
Although a prospective veterinary practice litigation attorney can’t guarantee a particular result in your case, he can share his past results with you. Therefore, when choosing a veterinary practice litigation attorney, you should ask him about his past results handling cases like yours. Keep in mind that past results may include both settlements and courtroom judgments. Ideally, the attorney you choose will have a solid track record in both areas. Remember, although not guaranteed, past results are a good indicator of future success.
Trial or Settlement?
Some attorneys prefer trial over settlement, and vice versa. One approach isn’t necessarily better than the other, but you should get a sense of the direction your prospective attorney may want to take your case. This way, there won’t be any unexpected surprises down the road. Remember, the more you know about your prospective attorney, the better.
Billing Method
Although you shouldn’t base your choice of attorney on cost alone, let’s face it: cost is important. Therefore, you should determine your prospective attorney’s method of billing. Some attorneys work on a contingency basis, and other attorneys charge by the hour. Ideally, you should hire a veterinary attorney who charges on a flat-fee basis, offers cost-effective services, and offers retainer plans with discounted rates for certain services, such as courtroom appearances.
Communication
Finally, the attorney you choose should be accessible. Therefore, you should also ask your prospective attorney about his preferred method of communication. Also, you should determine whether the veterinary attorney you meet with during your initial consultation will be the person handling your case. Some firms farm out work to junior associates, and this can affect the outcome of your case. Finally, the attorney you choose should be willing to answer all questions you have about your case.
Contact Our Experienced Veterinary Attorneys
If you are a veterinary practice owner, you need an experienced veterinary attorney who understands the challenges posed by the animal care industry. At Mahan Law, we understand the veterinary business inside and out. Founded by veterinary hospital owner Anthony Mahan, our practice is dedicated to helping veterinarians avoid litigation by designing well-crafted and proactive agreements, policies, and procedures. And when a legal issue arises, our litigation attorneys are as comfortable at the settlement table as they are in the courtroom. So, if you require legal assistance, please contact us for a consultation.