Most people have heard both terms used with regards to tort law, but do they really know the difference between a medical lawyer and a personal injury attorney?  It’s important to understand the key contrasts between these two types of legal representatives so that you can make an informed, educated decision when choosing a lawyer.

Simply put, medical attorneys are a subset of personal injury lawyers.  Both handle cases representing someone who was harmed by another’s negligence, but that is just about where the similarities end.  The main difference lies in their training and expertise.

The truth is medical malpractice cases are typically much more complicated and complex than most personal injury cases.  There are more intricate details that must be considered involving medical records, follow up treatments, and specific diagnoses that are all critical in successfully proving a medical malpractice case.

The law surrounding medical malpractice is also more detailed and complicated in comparison to general tort law.  Because of this, medical malpractice cases can be much more difficult to prove to a judge or jury.  This is why it is essential that the person chosen to represent a victim be an expert in medical malpractice law, not just a personal injury lawyer.

Additionally, because of the expertise required, most medical lawyers can also represent general personal injury cases while personal injury attorneys aren’t usually qualified enough to handle medical malpractice cases.  Things such as knowledge of medical terminology and having a network of expert medical witnesses are what make a medical attorney better equipped to represent these types of lawsuits.

It’s important to know the difference so that the correct type of legal representation is chosen during the critical timeframe surrounding a malpractice lawsuit.  Knowing what type of lawyer to pick will give you a much better chance of winning your case.