What Do Medical Lawyers Do?

Medical lawyers interpret laws involving the administration of health care services. They can represent hospitals, doctors, insurance companies and patients. Attorneys who specialize in medical issues understand medical terminology and standards along with the legal aspects of patient care and treatment. They represent clients in cases related to insurance reimbursement, disability, malpractice and patient law.

Health Insurance

• Medical lawyers can represent either health insurance companies or patients seeking payment on claims. An individual seeking a payment on a claim will hire an attorney to sue an insurance company that denies claims unjustly. Insurance companies are on the lookout for cases of fraud, so they will have attorneys represent them when a medical claim appears suspicious. A lawyer familiar with the legal issues surrounding health insurance regulations in the state will represent either the insurance company or the patient, ensuring her client will get what is due.

Disability

• A medical lawyer assesses a client's long-term disability and makes recommendations on the best course of action to get payment for lost wages. Medical lawyers understand the policies and regulations related to disability coverage that are difficult to navigate and comprehend. In this role, medical lawyers also need an understanding of medical issues in order to know what laws may apply to a particular long-term disability. A lawyer specializing in disability-related legal issues helps his clients by preparing medical evidence and reviewing medical records.

Medical Malpractice

• Medical malpractice is when a health care provider acts in a negligent way and a patient is harmed because of it. A lawyer representing the patient will take action against the health care provider seeking monetary damages on behalf of her client. Medical malpractice lawsuits require the plaintiff to prove that the health provider's negligence caused the harm to the patient. Knowledge of medical standards and terminology, as well as the underlying causes of the injury, are necessary for an attorney to argue a case successfully on behalf of his client.

Patient Law

• Medical lawyers may also represent people who are currently in a health care facility. These lawyers advocate on behalf of their clients in matters related to the day-to-day or long-term care of the patient. An attorney who specializes in patient law may have clients who are in a hospital, rehabilitation facility or nursing home. The lawyer may be working on behalf of clients who may be disabled or even dying. Patient law cases can turn into matters regarding health insurance, disability or even medical malpractice.