Q: I already have malpractice insurance, so why join Doctor’s Advocate?
A: A Doctor’s Advocate private attorney is needed because:  

• The interest of your med-mal carrier and the attorney it hires are frequently different from your interests.
• Attorneys hired by the med-mal carrier depend upon volume, which is why a lawsuit can drag on for five or more years. A private attorney can help move the case along.
• A private attorney frequently sometimes sees things the med-mal insurance attorney misses.
• Where warranted, a Doctor’s Advocate private attorney will demand that the lawsuit be dropped immediately, a tactic rarely used by the insurance company attorney.
• Two attorneys working on your behalf gives you an advantage and peace of mind.

Q: Does the Doctor’s Advocate attorney replace my insurance company attorney?
A: No. The Doctor’s Advocate attorney works in conjunction with your appointed attorney.

Q: Am I allowed to have two attorneys represent me in a case?
A: Yes. You are allowed as many attorneys as you like on a case.

Q: How much would it cost to hire private counsel?
A: A private attorney outside of Doctor’s Advocate could charge $25,000 or more to represent you. If you join Doctor’s Advocate, a private attorney is available for $1,200 per year.

Q: Am I protected immediately after I subscribe to Doctor’s Advocate?
A: Yes. You are covered immediately after subscribing.  

Q: Does the lawyer from Doctor’s Advocate communicate with my insurance company’s attorney about the case?
A: Your Doctor’s Advocate attorney will contact your insurance carrier’s attorney immediately upon being notified of the lawsuit. The Doctor’s Advocate attorney will be copied on all correspondence regarding your case. 

Q: Does the lawyer from Doctor’s Advocate communicate with the Plaintiff’s attorney?
A: Plaintiff’s attorney will be contacted immediately. Doctor’s Advocate counsel will demand that your case be dropped within 30 days under the threat of a countersuit (if your case is deemed frivolous). 

Q: If I sign up with an existing lawsuit in progress, how long until the Doctor’s Advocate attorney contacts the Plaintiff’s Attorney.
A: Immediately upon being notified of your subscription.  

Q: Can the attorney from my insurance company refuse to represent me because I am a member of Doctor’s Advocate and have a private attorney?
A: No. Your insurance carrier’s attorney is required to represent you throughout the case.

 Q: Can I sue the Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s Attorney immediately after my dismissal from the lawsuit?
A: A countersuit can only be filed when the entire case is concluded. However, your Doctor’s Advocate attorney will create a paper trail which will facilitate a countersuit if you choose to pursue one. NOTE: Countersuit litigation is not part of Doctor’s Advocate membership. Doctor’s Advocate attorneys are available for legal advice and/or representation, but regular legal fees apply.