Three Stages of Discovery in Medical Malpractice Cases

Three Stages of Discovery in Medical Malpractice CasesIn most states, there are three stages of discovery in medical malpractice cases.

First Stage

In the first stage most of the questions are directed to the parties only – the plaintiffs and the defendants.

Second Stage

During the second stage the parties will ask questions of all non-party witnesses, such as your family (who may know what happened or know how the injury has impacted your life), your treating doctors (who know details about your injuries) or any other non-party witness (nurses, clerks or anyone who has information about your case).

Third Stage

The last stage is the expert stage. It is at this stage where the parties hire additional experts to testify in support of their case (these experts are called different names by the lawyers who do medical work, the least offensive being “hired,” “retained,” or “controlled” experts).

Once both sides have questioned the other’s experts, the last stage of discovery is done and the case is ready for trial.

Seeking Legal Counsel

To speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer and receive high quality legal advice, contact the Law Office of Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP.


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At Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP, we represent Illinois clients in Chicago and throughout Cook County, including the cities of Cicero, Elgin, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Maywood, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Evanston, Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine and Hoffman Estates. We also help clients in DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County and Winnebago County. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, CHH Law is the law firm with attorneys that can help.

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