Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing

Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing

Best personal injury attorneys

The top Lansing personal injury lawyer was recently honored with the prestigious 'Advocate for Justice' award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the field. Learn more about The Clark Law Office here. After receiving your free evaluation from The Clark Law Office, you'll have a clearer understanding of your case's potential. Read more about Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing here You won't pay us a dime unless we win your case. These cover the direct financial losses you've incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Navigating Michigan's legal landscape requires a deep understanding of its unique car accident and injury laws.
This requires gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and more. If the initial offer is too low, which it often is, you're entitled to negotiate for more. Slip and fall cases, on the other hand, usually occur on someone else's property.

Free injury case review

  • Legal consultation for injury
  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Workplace injury attorney
  • Spinal cord injury attorney
  • Legal representation for injuries
  • Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Personal injury appeal lawyer
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Negligence lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Personal injury lawsuit
  • Disability lawyer
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Truck accident lawyer
  • Serious car accident lawyer
  • Head injury lawyer
  • Motorcycle accident lawyer
It's not just about winning a case; it's about restoring your life.
We take the time to understand your story, your needs, and your goals, ensuring personalized and compassionate service. Insurance claim disputes First off, you can visit their website to find detailed information on their services and to use the contact form available for quick inquiries. They'll also sift through your social media, looking for any photos or posts that could suggest you're not as injured as you claim. If you're faced with this difficult situation, knowing your rights and the legal definitions can empower you to take the necessary steps towards seeking justice and compensation.
They understand the profound impact of losing a loved one and the complexities that come with seeking justice in these cases. Understanding the importance of swift action, let's examine how Clark Law has successfully navigated wrongful death claims, showcasing their expertise through various case studies. You might wonder why these stories matter. It's not just about the emotional toll, although that's immeasurable.

Similarly, if a surgeon performs a procedure without the necessary skill, resulting in harm, this too could point to malpractice. When a newborn suffers an injury during birth, the immediate and long-term financial implications can be staggering. Instead, they fought tooth and nail, eventually securing a settlement three times the initial offer. By combining your firsthand experience with our legal acumen, we can form a powerful alliance against negligence and malpractice.

You're shown that with the right team, families can hold negligent parties accountable and secure the financial support necessary for their child's future. Navigating the legal landscape after an injury is akin to finding your way through a dense forest without a map; however, The Clark Law Office in Lansing is lighting a path forward by offering free case evaluations for personal injury victims. What sets them apart is their commitment to personalized service.

Your involvement, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or spreading the word, amplifies their efforts and contributes to broader change. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation. You'll find that their approach is both personal and professional, a balance that's hard to come by.

Personal injury lawsuit advice

  1. Recover damages lawyer
  2. Catastrophic injury attorney
  3. Defamation lawyer
  4. Motor vehicle accident claims
  5. Personal injury claims
  6. Pedestrian injury attorney
  7. Premises liability attorney
  8. Medical expense lawyer
  9. Insurance claim lawyer
  10. Car accident attorney
  11. Workers’ compensation lawyer
  12. Accident compensation lawyer
  13. Personal injury damage recovery
  14. Serious injury attorney
  15. Lawsuit settlement lawyer


They're not just your lawyers; they're your allies, your advocates, and your champions. As you navigate the aftermath of an accident, understanding why their approach makes a difference could be the key to securing the compensation you deserve.

Legal advocacy for injured clients

  • Best personal injury attorneys
  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Product liability lawyer
  • Free injury case review
  • Personal injury lawsuit advice
  • Concussion lawyer
  • Injury lawyer for medical bills
  • Bicycle accident lawyer
  • Accident lawyer for settlement
  • Auto accident lawyer
  • Insurance claim disputes
  • Fall accident lawyer
  • Dog bite injury lawyer
  • Serious injury attorney
  • Lawsuit settlement lawyer
  • Train accident lawyer
  • Legal consultation for injury
By taking action, you're not only seeking compensation for your family's suffering but also helping to prevent future incidents.

Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Lansing

Lansing is the only U.S. state capital (among the 47 located in counties) that is not also a county seat. The seat of government of Ingham County is Mason, but the county maintains some offices in Lansing.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Lansing

Nearby Personal Injury Lawyer Lansing

Nearby Personal Injury Lawyer Lansing

O'Keefe Law, PLLC

Personal injury attorney, Civil law attorney, Civil police, Criminal justice attorney, Law firm, Attorney, Trial attorney
O'Keefe Law, PLLC, 7804 Francis Ct STE 210, Lansing, MI 48917

Bahrie Law, PLLC

Personal injury attorney, Criminal justice attorney, Employment attorney, Family law attorney, Social security attorney
Bahrie Law, PLLC, 6810 S Cedar St #2c, Lansing, MI 48911

Gary J. Canjar Attorney at Law

Personal injury attorney, Divorce lawyer, Family law attorney, General practice attorney, Attorney, Trial attorney
Gary J. Canjar Attorney at Law, 6810 S Cedar St # 2D, Lansing, MI 48911


Citations and other links

Wrongful Death Damages Lawyer Lansing

You might find yourself adjusting work schedules, reducing hours, or even quitting jobs to provide necessary care, leading to lost wages and benefits. Wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity. We're here to ensure that you feel supported and confident in our abilities to secure the compensation you deserve. They'll walk you through the legal process, ensuring you're informed and comfortable every step of the way. We're here to fight for your rights and secure the justice you deserve.

You're not just a case number to them; you're a person who deserves justice. Typically, workers' compensation covers medical expenses for treatments directly related to your injury. Clark Law's team has secured significant settlements and verdicts, demonstrating their capability and determination to fight for their clients' rights. Our friendly team is always ready to listen to your story, provide initial advice, and schedule a more in-depth consultation.

They work tirelessly to ensure that while you focus on healing, they focus on securing the justice your loved one deserves. They don't just rely on the facts. When you're contacted by an insurance adjuster, remember, it's their job to minimize the company's payout. Product liability lawyer You're looking at compensation for medical expenses incurred before their passing, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits, and the loss of companionship and support they provided.

Being proactive in your preparation not only maximizes the effectiveness of the evaluation but also sets the stage for a strong attorney-client relationship. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as you can. Fall accident lawyer This move ensures that you don't have to dig into your pockets before you're even sure of the legal standing and the possible compensation you could receive. Birth injuries can happen during labor and delivery, impacting a newborn's health significantly.

Wrongful Death Damages Lawyer Lansing
Personal Injury Attorney Lansing

Personal Injury Attorney Lansing

The specifics can vary, so it's important to understand how your state calculates these benefits. It's meticulous work, but it's essential for building a strong case. Trust is the foundation of our client relationships. Another key point is the statute of limitations in Michigan. So, if you're ever in need of expert legal representation for a car accident or injury case, you know who to turn to.

The incident that leads to injury or illness must also occur during the course of employment. If you're dealing with the aftermath of losing a loved one under these circumstances, you're likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. By navigating the complex litigations with a client-centered approach and utilizing cutting-edge legal technologies, they've carved a niche that stands out.

Auto accident lawyer

  1. Back injury lawyer
  2. Legal advice for personal injury
  3. Injury law firm
  4. Defective product lawyer
  5. Consultation for personal injury
  6. Personal injury lawyer with experience
  7. Amputation lawyer
  8. Local personal injury lawyer
  9. Personal injury defense attorney
  10. Recover damages lawyer
  11. Catastrophic injury attorney
  12. Defamation lawyer
  13. Motor vehicle accident claims
  14. Personal injury claims
  15. Pedestrian injury attorney
  16. Premises liability attorney
  17. Medical expense lawyer
You've got to detail the extent of the physical, emotional, and financial impact it has had on the victim's life. Bicycle accident lawyer

Our team takes the time to get to know you, your situation, and what you're hoping to achieve with your legal battle. Remember, time is of the essence in these cases, so don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Moreover, you've probably seen their team volunteering at local shelters and participating in city clean-up efforts. Together, we can seek the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and the pain and suffering your family has endured.

Choosing Clark Law Office means you're setting yourself up for the best chance of success. You're also eligible for wage replacement benefits if you're unable to work due to your injury. As you consider your next steps, remember these voices of past clients-they're testament to what's possible when you have the right support by your side. They're not just personal tragedies but also indicators of areas within the healthcare system that require urgent attention and improvement.

Insurance Claim Lawyer Lansing

As we consider the emotional turmoil birth injuries inflict, it's crucial to also recognize the financial strains these events often trigger for families. Facing a birth injury case isn't something you have to do alone; together, we can navigate the complexities and fight for the justice you deserve. We stay up-to-date with legal advancements and use cutting-edge strategies to advocate for you. Personal injury lawsuit advice Whether it's dealing with insurance adjusters, filing claims for property damage and medical expenses, or negotiating fair settlements, we've got your back.

Personal injury lawsuit advice

  1. Legal support for injury claims
  2. Injury lawyers near me
  3. Contingency fee lawyer
  4. Burn injury attorney
  5. Personal injury lawyer
  6. Legal help for injured individuals
  7. Personal injury settlement attorney
  8. Neck injury lawyer
  9. Back injury lawyer
  10. Legal advice for personal injury
  11. Injury law firm
  12. Defective product lawyer
  13. Consultation for personal injury
  14. Personal injury lawyer with experience
  15. Amputation lawyer
  16. Local personal injury lawyer
  17. Personal injury defense attorney
  18. Recover damages lawyer
  19. Catastrophic injury attorney


This isn't just about legal representation; it's about providing support and guidance through one of the most challenging times in your life. They've honed their approach, focusing on thorough investigation and evidence collection right from the start. Understanding the importance of personal guidance, we invite you to schedule your free consultation with us today.

Next, you'll initiate the claim by notifying the responsible party's insurance company. These aren't meant to compensate you, but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future actions. The settlement reached provided the client not just with financial support, but also with a sense of justice and the means to move forward.

They're planning to broaden their team by bringing in specialists in various fields of personal injury law, ensuring that no matter your situation, you'll have an expert ready to fight for your rights. They know how to argue your case, making sure the insurance companies understand the full extent of your needs. It's also about fighting for your rightful compensation, a battle that often pits you against powerful insurance companies.



Free injury case review

  • Train accident lawyer
  • Legal consultation for injury
  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Workplace injury attorney
  • Spinal cord injury attorney
  • Legal representation for injuries
  • Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Personal injury appeal lawyer
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Negligence lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Personal injury lawsuit
  • Disability lawyer
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Truck accident lawyer
  • Serious car accident lawyer
Insurance Claim Lawyer Lansing
Highway Accident Attorney Lansing
Highway Accident Attorney Lansing

With them, you're not just a case number; you're a person deserving of justice and compensation. The process is daunting, but knowing what steps to take can help you navigate through this challenging time. Each client story is a testament to resilience, and Clark Law Office is there every step of the way, ensuring those responsible are held accountable. We've made it easy for you to get in touch with us, ensuring that you can start your journey to compensation without delay. To navigate these waters, it's highly advisable to consult with a specialized attorney who understands the intricacies of medical malpractice law.
Hearing from those who've already walked the path can offer invaluable insights into the benefits of enlisting a skilled personal injury lawyer. Remember, the goal is to secure the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and other damages. If you're unsure about the process, consider hiring a workers' compensation lawyer. Instead, they use their knowledge of Michigan's legal system to level the playing field for you. Auto accident lawyer
Numerous families have found justice and compensation through the diligent efforts of skilled attorneys in birth injury cases.

Fall accident lawyer

  • Personal injury attorney near me
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
  • Pain and suffering claims
  • Wrongful death lawyer
  • Assault lawyer
  • Legal claims for fall injuries
  • Injury compensation lawyer
  • No win no fee lawyer
  • Personal injury legal expert
  • Injury lawsuit help
  • Injury claim filing assistance
  • Liability claims attorney
  • Injury lawyer for victims
  • Compensation for accident injuries
  • Legal help for accident victims
Learn more about Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing here They're hands-on, ensuring that every document, no matter how small, is accounted for and every deadline is met. Accident lawyer for settlement This means you're covered if you're injured while performing job duties or while at a work-related event. When you're seeking representation, knowing you have an 'Advocate for Justice' by your side is incredibly reassuring.
Firstly, discuss the evaluation's outcome with your attorney. In cases of permanent disability, whether partial or total, you may be entitled to additional compensation. After understanding your legal rights and the importance of gathering evidence, it's crucial to know how to effectively prove negligence in court. Their team takes the time to explain the legal process in terms you can understand, demystifying legal jargon and processes.

Personal Injury Litigation Lansing

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. Lawsuit settlement lawyer After preparing your wrongful death claim, choosing the right legal representation is crucial, and Clark Law stands out as a top choice for many reasons. These feelings are natural, yet they can strain your relationships, impacting your bond with your partner, your child, and even with your wider family and friends. Our commitment to personalized attention means you're not just another case number.
You'll benefit from real-time updates and seamless communication, thanks to secure client portals and mobile applications. It's daunting, to say the least. Evidence that's crucial for proving negligence or fault in your loved one's death may become harder to find or less reliable over time.
This meticulous documentation will support your claim, helping ensure you're adequately compensated for your losses.

Injury lawyer for medical bills

  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Workplace injury attorney
  • Spinal cord injury attorney
  • Legal representation for injuries
  • Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Personal injury appeal lawyer
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Negligence lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Personal injury lawsuit
  • Disability lawyer
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Truck accident lawyer
  • Serious car accident lawyer
  • Head injury lawyer
  • Motorcycle accident lawyer
  • Personal injury attorney near me
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
  • Pain and suffering claims
First, check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed. The law provides a pathway for victims to seek justice and financial recovery for the suffering and losses endured.
They don't stop at legal victories. At Clark Law, it's not just about winning cases; it's about restoring lives and making a difference in the community. First, they're deeply committed to your case.

Explore Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing here
Personal Injury Litigation Lansing

A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured, physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency or any entity. Personal injury lawyers primarily practice in the area of law known as tort law. Examples of common personal injury claims include injuries from slip and fall accidents, traffic collisions, defective products, workplace injuries and professional malpractice.

The term "trial lawyers" is used to refer to personal injury lawyers, even though many other types of lawyers, including defense lawyers and criminal prosecutors also appear in trials and even though most personal injury claims are settled without going to trial.

Qualification

[edit]

A personal injury lawyer must qualify to practice law in the jurisdiction in which the lawyer practices. In many states, they must also pass a written ethics examination.[1]

Lawyers may take continuing legal education (CLE) classes in order to learn about developments in the law or to learn about new practice areas. In states that require lawyers to attend CLE, personal injury lawyers may take CLE courses relevant to personal injury law, but are not required to do so.[2]

United States

[edit]

Certain bar associations and attorney organizations offer certifications, including certification of lawyers in the field of personal injury.[3] Certification is not required to practice personal injury law, but may help a lawyer demonstrate knowledge in the field to potential clients. Within the U.S., not all state bars offer certification for personal injury law. Some states, such as New Jersey,[4] allow lawyers to become Certified Trial Attorneys, a credential that is available to both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Some states, such as Arizona,[5] restrict the use of the words "specialist" or "specialize" to lawyers who have obtained a certification from the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in a specific field of law, with one such certification being in the area of personal injury law.

Practice

[edit]

Lawyers may concentrate their practice to specific areas of law, including personal injury law.[6] Some lawyers may further specialize to a specific area of personal injury, such as medical malpractice law. By limiting the range of cases they handle, personal injury lawyers are able to acquire specialized knowledge and experience.

Client relations

[edit]

Before accepting a new case, a personal injury lawyer typically interviews a prospective client and evaluates the client's case to determine the basic facts and potential legal claims that might be made, identifies possible defendants, and evaluates the strength of the case.[7] A lawyer may decline to accept a case if the lawyer believes that the legal claims will not succeed in court, if the cost of litigation is expected to exceed the amount that can reasonably be recovered from the defendants as compensation for the client's injury.[8]

Compensation

[edit]

Lawyer fees may be charged in a number of ways, including contingency fees, hourly rates, and flat fees. In many countries, personal injury lawyers work primarily on a contingency fee basis, sometimes called an if-come fee, through which the lawyer receives a percentage of a client's recovery as a fee, but does not recover a fee if the claim is not successful.[7]

In some jurisdictions, or by virtue of the retainer agreement between an attorney and client, the amount of the legal fee may vary depending upon whether a case settles before a lawsuit is filed, after a lawsuit is filed but before trial, or if the case goes to trial.[9] For example, a retainer agreement might provide that a lawyer will receive a 33 and 1/3% contingency fee if a case settles before a lawsuit is filed, a 40% contingency fee if the case settles after the lawsuit is filed, or up to 45% if the lawsuit goes to trial.

Due to the high cost of litigation, personal injury lawyers are rarely retained to work based on an hourly fee.[10] However, defense attorneys who are hired to contest personal injury claims are often paid on an hourly basis.

Ethics

[edit]

An attorney should provide diligent representation to clients, and the ultimate professional responsibility of a personal injury lawyer is to help plaintiffs obtain just compensation for their losses. As with all lawyers, the attorney-client relationship is governed by rules of ethics.[11]

In the United States, lawyers are regulated by codes of conduct established by state bar associations, which have the power to take disciplinary action against lawyers who violate professional or ethical regulations.[12] States normally require all contingency agreements between lawyers and their clients to be in writing, and may limit the amount that may be charged as a contingency fee to a specific maximum percentage of the recovery.

Organizations

[edit]

Although membership is not required for personal injury practice, many personal injury lawyers join professional associations. For example:

  • American Bar Association – a professional association dedicated to improving the legal system and providing accreditation for law schools and continuing legal education programs
  • Association of Personal Injury Lawyers – an association based in Nottingham, England; founded in 1990 by personal injury lawyers on behalf of accident victims
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles – CAALA is one of the largest associations of plaintiffs' lawyers in the United States and hosts one of the largest annual attorneys' conventions.
  • American Association for Justice – an association of trial lawyers that was founded in 1946 by a group of plaintiffs' attorneys committed to safeguarding victims' rights. Prior to 2007, this organization was called the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, or ATLA.[13]
  • The National Trial Lawyers – a national organization composed of trial lawyers, offering networking opportunities, advocacy training and educational programs for trial lawyers.[14]
  • Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA) - a specialist bar association for UK barristers who practise in the field of personal injuries.[15]

Criticism

[edit]

Critics of personal injury lawyers claim that litigation increases the cost of products and services and the cost of doing business.[16] For example, critics of medical malpractice lawyers argue that lawsuits increase the cost of healthcare, and that lawsuits may inspire doctors to leave medical practice or create doctor shortages. These concerns, often raised in response to efforts to reform healthcare, have not been well substantiated. A publication by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found little evidence that traditional tort reforms affect medical liability costs or defensive medicine.[17] A study conducted on a bipartisan basis in Texas has found that tort reform, once enacted, had no impact on reducing the cost of medical care, tending to throw doubt on claims made by tort reform advocates.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Becoming a Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions". State Bar of Texas.
  2. ^ Lowenthal, Werner (1981). "Continuing Education for Professionals: Voluntary or Mandatory?". The Journal of Higher Education. 52 (5): 519–538.
  3. ^ "A Concise Guide to Lawyer Specialty Certification" (PDF). ABA Standing Committee on Specialization. American Bar Association. June 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Board on Attorney Certification". New Jersey Courts. New Jersey Judiciary. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Certified Specialists". State Bar of Arizona. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  6. ^ Nelson, Robert L. (1988). Partners with Power: The Social Transformation of the Large Law Firm. University of California Press. pp. 174–175. ISBN 0520058445. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  7. ^ a b Goodman, Peggy. "Initial Interview with a Potential Client". LexisNexis. Relx Group. Retrieved 21 January 2008.
  8. ^ Coffee, John C. (May 1986). "Understanding the Plaintiff's Attorney: The Implications of Economic Theory for Private Enforcement of Law through Class and Derivative Actions". Columbia Law Review. 86 (4): 669–727. doi:10.2307/1122577. JSTOR 1122577. S2CID 158524103.
  9. ^ Danzon, Patricia M. (1983). "Contingent Fees for Personal Injury Litigation". The Bell Journal of Economics. 14 (1): 213–224. doi:10.2307/3003548. JSTOR 3003548.
  10. ^ Danzon, Patricia M. (June 1980). "Contingent Fees for Personal Injury Litigation" (PDF). Rand. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  11. ^ Weissman, Herbert N.; Debow, Deborah M. (2003). Ethical Principles and Professional Competencies. Handbook of Psychology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 3:33–53. ISBN 047138321X. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  12. ^ Carr, David Cameron (2010). "Attorney Fees: Five Keys to Ethical Compliance". GPSolo. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  13. ^ "American Association for Justice". justice.org. Retrieved 2017-06-27.
  14. ^ "The National Trial Lawyers". Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  15. ^ Personal Injuries Bar Association, accessed 27 September 2022
  16. ^ Hiltzig, Michael (20 September 2014). "New study shows that the savings from 'tort reform' are mythical". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  17. ^ "Medical Malpractice: April 2011 Update". The Synthesis Project. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 1 April 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  18. ^ Roser, Mary Ann (20 June 2012). "New study: Tort reform has not reduced health care costs in Texas". Statesman Media. American Statesman. Retrieved 2 July 2017.

A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured, physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency or any entity. Personal injury lawyers primarily practice in the area of law known as tort law. Examples of common personal injury claims include injuries from slip and fall accidents, traffic collisions, defective products, workplace injuries and professional malpractice.

The term "trial lawyers" is used to refer to personal injury lawyers, even though many other types of lawyers, including defense lawyers and criminal prosecutors also appear in trials and even though most personal injury claims are settled without going to trial.

Qualification

[edit]

A personal injury lawyer must qualify to practice law in the jurisdiction in which the lawyer practices. In many states, they must also pass a written ethics examination.[1]

Lawyers may take continuing legal education (CLE) classes in order to learn about developments in the law or to learn about new practice areas. In states that require lawyers to attend CLE, personal injury lawyers may take CLE courses relevant to personal injury law, but are not required to do so.[2]

United States

[edit]

Certain bar associations and attorney organizations offer certifications, including certification of lawyers in the field of personal injury.[3] Certification is not required to practice personal injury law, but may help a lawyer demonstrate knowledge in the field to potential clients. Within the U.S., not all state bars offer certification for personal injury law. Some states, such as New Jersey,[4] allow lawyers to become Certified Trial Attorneys, a credential that is available to both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Some states, such as Arizona,[5] restrict the use of the words "specialist" or "specialize" to lawyers who have obtained a certification from the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in a specific field of law, with one such certification being in the area of personal injury law.

Practice

[edit]

Lawyers may concentrate their practice to specific areas of law, including personal injury law.[6] Some lawyers may further specialize to a specific area of personal injury, such as medical malpractice law. By limiting the range of cases they handle, personal injury lawyers are able to acquire specialized knowledge and experience.

Client relations

[edit]

Before accepting a new case, a personal injury lawyer typically interviews a prospective client and evaluates the client's case to determine the basic facts and potential legal claims that might be made, identifies possible defendants, and evaluates the strength of the case.[7] A lawyer may decline to accept a case if the lawyer believes that the legal claims will not succeed in court, if the cost of litigation is expected to exceed the amount that can reasonably be recovered from the defendants as compensation for the client's injury.[8]

Compensation

[edit]

Lawyer fees may be charged in a number of ways, including contingency fees, hourly rates, and flat fees. In many countries, personal injury lawyers work primarily on a contingency fee basis, sometimes called an if-come fee, through which the lawyer receives a percentage of a client's recovery as a fee, but does not recover a fee if the claim is not successful.[7]

In some jurisdictions, or by virtue of the retainer agreement between an attorney and client, the amount of the legal fee may vary depending upon whether a case settles before a lawsuit is filed, after a lawsuit is filed but before trial, or if the case goes to trial.[9] For example, a retainer agreement might provide that a lawyer will receive a 33 and 1/3% contingency fee if a case settles before a lawsuit is filed, a 40% contingency fee if the case settles after the lawsuit is filed, or up to 45% if the lawsuit goes to trial.

Due to the high cost of litigation, personal injury lawyers are rarely retained to work based on an hourly fee.[10] However, defense attorneys who are hired to contest personal injury claims are often paid on an hourly basis.

Ethics

[edit]

An attorney should provide diligent representation to clients, and the ultimate professional responsibility of a personal injury lawyer is to help plaintiffs obtain just compensation for their losses. As with all lawyers, the attorney-client relationship is governed by rules of ethics.[11]

In the United States, lawyers are regulated by codes of conduct established by state bar associations, which have the power to take disciplinary action against lawyers who violate professional or ethical regulations.[12] States normally require all contingency agreements between lawyers and their clients to be in writing, and may limit the amount that may be charged as a contingency fee to a specific maximum percentage of the recovery.

Organizations

[edit]

Although membership is not required for personal injury practice, many personal injury lawyers join professional associations. For example:

  • American Bar Association – a professional association dedicated to improving the legal system and providing accreditation for law schools and continuing legal education programs
  • Association of Personal Injury Lawyers – an association based in Nottingham, England; founded in 1990 by personal injury lawyers on behalf of accident victims
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles – CAALA is one of the largest associations of plaintiffs' lawyers in the United States and hosts one of the largest annual attorneys' conventions.
  • American Association for Justice – an association of trial lawyers that was founded in 1946 by a group of plaintiffs' attorneys committed to safeguarding victims' rights. Prior to 2007, this organization was called the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, or ATLA.[13]
  • The National Trial Lawyers – a national organization composed of trial lawyers, offering networking opportunities, advocacy training and educational programs for trial lawyers.[14]
  • Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA) - a specialist bar association for UK barristers who practise in the field of personal injuries.[15]

Criticism

[edit]

Critics of personal injury lawyers claim that litigation increases the cost of products and services and the cost of doing business.[16] For example, critics of medical malpractice lawyers argue that lawsuits increase the cost of healthcare, and that lawsuits may inspire doctors to leave medical practice or create doctor shortages. These concerns, often raised in response to efforts to reform healthcare, have not been well substantiated. A publication by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found little evidence that traditional tort reforms affect medical liability costs or defensive medicine.[17] A study conducted on a bipartisan basis in Texas has found that tort reform, once enacted, had no impact on reducing the cost of medical care, tending to throw doubt on claims made by tort reform advocates.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Becoming a Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions". State Bar of Texas.
  2. ^ Lowenthal, Werner (1981). "Continuing Education for Professionals: Voluntary or Mandatory?". The Journal of Higher Education. 52 (5): 519–538.
  3. ^ "A Concise Guide to Lawyer Specialty Certification" (PDF). ABA Standing Committee on Specialization. American Bar Association. June 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Board on Attorney Certification". New Jersey Courts. New Jersey Judiciary. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Certified Specialists". State Bar of Arizona. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  6. ^ Nelson, Robert L. (1988). Partners with Power: The Social Transformation of the Large Law Firm. University of California Press. pp. 174–175. ISBN 0520058445. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  7. ^ a b Goodman, Peggy. "Initial Interview with a Potential Client". LexisNexis. Relx Group. Retrieved 21 January 2008.
  8. ^ Coffee, John C. (May 1986). "Understanding the Plaintiff's Attorney: The Implications of Economic Theory for Private Enforcement of Law through Class and Derivative Actions". Columbia Law Review. 86 (4): 669–727. doi:10.2307/1122577. JSTOR 1122577. S2CID 158524103.
  9. ^ Danzon, Patricia M. (1983). "Contingent Fees for Personal Injury Litigation". The Bell Journal of Economics. 14 (1): 213–224. doi:10.2307/3003548. JSTOR 3003548.
  10. ^ Danzon, Patricia M. (June 1980). "Contingent Fees for Personal Injury Litigation" (PDF). Rand. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  11. ^ Weissman, Herbert N.; Debow, Deborah M. (2003). Ethical Principles and Professional Competencies. Handbook of Psychology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 3:33–53. ISBN 047138321X. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  12. ^ Carr, David Cameron (2010). "Attorney Fees: Five Keys to Ethical Compliance". GPSolo. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  13. ^ "American Association for Justice". justice.org. Retrieved 2017-06-27.
  14. ^ "The National Trial Lawyers". Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  15. ^ Personal Injuries Bar Association, accessed 27 September 2022
  16. ^ Hiltzig, Michael (20 September 2014). "New study shows that the savings from 'tort reform' are mythical". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  17. ^ "Medical Malpractice: April 2011 Update". The Synthesis Project. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 1 April 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  18. ^ Roser, Mary Ann (20 June 2012). "New study: Tort reform has not reduced health care costs in Texas". Statesman Media. American Statesman. Retrieved 2 July 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

They'll guide you through securing compensation for long-term medical care and rehabilitation services. You'll get personalized support aimed at covering your ongoing health needs, ensuring you're not alone in your recovery journey.

To ensure your privacy and confidentiality, the Clark Law Office employs strict data protection protocols, secure communication channels, and a policy of minimal information sharing, only involving essential parties in your personal injury claim process.

You'll find that the Clark Law Office tailors its approach based on your case's specifics, aggressively pursuing trials when necessary, while also skillfully negotiating settlements to secure the best outcome for you outside of court.