PART I. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Chapter 3. PLAINTIFF'S CASE

A. THE NEW CASE--REPRESENTING PLAINTIFF

1) Overview

2) Initial Meeting with Plaintiff

3) Case Finances and Client Communication

4) Matters Referred from Other Counsel

5) Maintaining Docket and Calendar

6) Matters Involving Multiple Clients and Attorneys

7) Preliminary Legal Research

8) Evaluating the Merit and Value of Plaintiff's Case

B. PREPARING THE PLAINTIFF'S CASE

9)  Overview--Checklist

10) Choosing the Defendant(s)

11) Choosing a Forum--Checklist

12) Drafting the Complaint--Checklist

13) Filing the Complaint--Checklist

14) Voluntary Dismissal--Checklist

C. REFERENCES

15) Research References

Chapter 4. DEFENDANT'S CASE

A. THE NEW CASE--REPRESENTING DEFENDANT

PHYSICIAN

1) Overview

2) Defense Counsel's Early Activity--Checklist

3) Early Contact with the Defendant Physician

4) Role of Insurance Company

5) Role of Defense Counsel

6) Matters Involving Multiple Parties and Attorneys

7) Contact with Plaintiff's Attorney

8) Physician's Countersuits

9) Medicolegal Library

B. PREPARING THE DEFENDANT'S CASE

1) Overview

2) Reviewing Complaint--Checklist

3) Alternative Responses: Dispositive and Non-Dispositive Motions

4) Answering Complaint and Jury Demand--Checklist

5) Counterclaims, Cross-Claims, Third-Party Practice, Impleader, Joinder of Parties and Claims

6) Consolidation, Severance, Transfer,and Removal of Case

C. REFERENCES

References