Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing

Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing

Construction accident lawyer

Our track record speaks for itself. Read more about Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing here Facing a denied workers' compensation claim can feel like hitting a brick wall, but there are clear steps you can take to challenge the decision. Learn more about Top-Rated Lansing Personal Injury Attorneys Near You here. The Clark Law Office doesn't shy away from tough cases; they thrive on them, leveraging their extensive knowledge and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve. This approach not only aims to secure the compensation you deserve but also strives to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you. Beyond their legal victories, this law firm has significantly impacted the Lansing community by providing unwavering support and advocacy for those in need.
Throughout this process, it's crucial to keep detailed records of all correspondence and expenses related to your injury. 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. One of the most daunting aspects you'll face after an accident is navigating the complex world of insurance claims. With the right legal support, you can make informed decisions and move forward.
Clark Law Office's rise to prominence in Lansing's legal scene is a testament to their unwavering commitment to clients' success and justice. Another success story involves a newborn who sustained nerve damage during delivery, leading to permanent arm weakness. It's a time when the support of experienced personal injury lawyers becomes invaluable, offering not just legal guidance but also understanding and empathy.

Injury lawsuit help

  • Fall accident lawyer
  • Recover damages lawyer
  • Neck injury lawyer
  • Injury claims lawyer
  • Car accident attorney
  • Lawsuit settlement lawyer
  • Local personal injury lawyer
  • Personal injury lawsuit
  • Legal claims for fall injuries
  • Free injury case review
  • Truck accident lawyer
  • Injury claim filing assistance
  • Workers’ compensation lawyer
  • Spinal cord injury attorney
  • Negligence lawyer
  • Wrongful termination injury lawyer
Candidates are evaluated based on their legal prowess, dedication to clients, and impact on the community.
Start by educating yourself about the rights of patients and the standards of care expected during childbirth. Financially, the repercussions can also be significant, especially if the deceased was a primary earner. This step is where precision matters. This often involves medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies.

A police report offers an official account of the accident, which can be invaluable during the legal process. That's why they're dedicated to making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible for you. You need glowing recommendations that highlight your dedication, empathy, and effectiveness. Understanding personal injury law can arm you with the knowledge needed to fight back against unfair insurance practices effectively.

It's why having a knowledgeable ally can make all the difference. Our goal is to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs. Concussion lawyer Proving negligence in court demands a clear, detailed presentation of these elements.

Each case varies, but the aim is to ensure you're not left struggling financially on top of everything else you're facing. You're not just another file on their desk; you're a person seeking justice, and they treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve.

Medical malpractice attorney

  • Personal injury lawyer with experience
  • Personal injury lawsuit advice
  • Brain injury lawyer
  • Bicycle accident lawyer
  • Medical malpractice attorney
  • Defective product lawyer
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Concussion lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Compensation for accident injuries
  • Personal injury appeal lawyer
  • Injury lawsuit help
  • Personal injury damage recovery
  • Legal help for accident victims
  • Product liability lawyer
  • Injury lawyers near me
Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation.

Slip and fall lawyer

  • Pain and suffering claims
  • Catastrophic injury attorney
  • Defamation lawyer
  • Nursing home abuse attorney
  • Insurance claim lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
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  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Bus accident attorney
  • Consultation for personal injury
  • Dog bite injury lawyer
  • Legal consultation for injury
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  • Serious injury attorney
  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Insurance dispute lawyer


If the initial offer is too low, which it often is, you're entitled to negotiate for more. 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. In the often turbulent waters of legal battles following car accidents and injuries, Clark Law Office has not only weathered the storm but has also set a new benchmark in Lansing. Legal help for accident victims

Construction Accident Lawyer Lansing

Entity Name Description Source Link
Personal injury A legal term for injury to the body, mind, or emotions, and can refer to any damage to an individual's person, usually as a result of negligence or wrongdoing. Source
Lawyer A professional who is qualified to practice law and provides legal advice and representation to clients. Source
No-fault insurance A type of car insurance system where each party's insurance covers their own damages, regardless of fault, in the event of an accident. Source
Insurance A financial product that provides protection against financial loss or risk in exchange for regular payments, known as premiums. Source
Negligence The failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to harm or injury to others. Source
Lansing, Michigan The capital city of the U.S. state of Michigan, known for its role in government and industry. Source
Wrongful death claim A legal claim filed when someone dies as a result of the negligence or misconduct of another party. Source
Medical malpractice A form of negligence where a healthcare professional's actions or inactions cause harm to a patient. Source

Injury Litigation Lansing MI

The Lansing metropolitan area, colloquially referred to as "Mid-Michigan", is an important center for educational, cultural, governmental, commercial, and industrial functions. Neighboring East Lansing is home to Michigan State University, a public research university with an enrollment of more than 50,000. The area features two medical schools, one veterinary school, two nursing schools, and two law schools. It is the site of the Michigan State Capitol, the state Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, a federal court, the Library of Michigan and Historical Center, and headquarters of four national insurance companies.

Auto Accident Attorney Lansing

Nearby Personal Injury Lawyer Lansing

Foster and Harmon P.C.

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Foster and Harmon P.C., 139 W Lake Lansing Rd Unit 210, East Lansing, MI 48823

Ben Hall Law

Criminal justice attorney, Law firm, Lawyers association, Legal services
Ben Hall Law, 139 W Lake Lansing Rd Suite 140, East Lansing, MI 48823

Nichols Law Firm

Personal injury attorney, Criminal justice attorney, Family law attorney, General practice attorney, Law firm, Trial attorney
Nichols Law Firm, 3452 E Lake Lansing Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823

Lansing Legal Group

Civil law attorney, Estate planning attorney, Attorney, Real estate attorney
Lansing Legal Group, 612 S Creyts Rd Suite C, Lansing, MI 48917


Citations and other links

Head And Brain Injury Lawyer In Lansing MI

Together, we can navigate this challenging time and work towards the justice and recovery you deserve. Then there's Jake, who slipped on an untreated icy sidewalk outside a local business. We're here to fight for your rights and secure the justice you deserve. Whether it's covering medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, The Clark Law Office has proven time and again that they're capable of taking on challenging cases and coming out on top.

Construction accident lawyer

  1. Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  2. Personal injury claims
  3. Premises liability attorney
  4. Legal representation for accidents
  5. Personal injury lawyer
  6. Motorcycle accident lawyer
  7. Pedestrian injury attorney
  8. Insurance claim disputes
  9. Motor vehicle accident claims
  10. Injury lawyer for victims
  11. Best personal injury attorneys
  12. Personal injury trial lawyer
  13. No win no fee lawyer
  14. Assault lawyer
  15. Serious car accident lawyer


Trust us to navigate the complex litigations that come with your car accident or injury case. By taking action, you're not only seeking compensation for your family's suffering but also helping to prevent future incidents. Instead, it's pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in personal injury law.

In cases of permanent disability, whether partial or total, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Having equipped yourself with knowledge of personal injury law, it's crucial to explore how to navigate the claims process effectively. Suddenly, you're left to figure out how to manage without their income, which can add an immense strain to an already difficult situation. Slip and fall lawyer

How can you find justice beyond the courtroom's walls? Initially, you'll need to gather evidence related to your injury, such as medical reports, witness statements, and any relevant photographs. With the Clark Law Office's help, they secured a settlement that covered their expenses and aided in their rehabilitation. Burn injury attorney

Head And Brain Injury Lawyer In Lansing MI
Truck Crash Lawyer Lansing

Truck Crash Lawyer Lansing

We're committed to transparency, keeping you informed and involved at every stage of the process. Let's dive into real-life victories where individuals stood up to insurance giants and won, showcasing the power of persistence and legal expertise.

Burn injury attorney

  • Pain and suffering claims
  • Catastrophic injury attorney
  • Defamation lawyer
  • Nursing home abuse attorney
  • Insurance claim lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
  • Personal injury attorney near me
  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Bus accident attorney
  • Consultation for personal injury
  • Dog bite injury lawyer
  • Legal consultation for injury
  • Top-rated personal injury lawyer
  • Serious injury attorney
  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Insurance dispute lawyer
It's meticulous work, but it's essential for building a strong case.

Auto accident lawyer

  • Burn injury attorney
  • Concussion lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Compensation for accident injuries
  • Personal injury appeal lawyer
  • Injury lawsuit help
  • Personal injury damage recovery
  • Legal help for accident victims
  • Product liability lawyer
  • Injury lawyers near me
  • Workplace injury attorney
  • Pain and suffering claims
  • Catastrophic injury attorney
  • Defamation lawyer
  • Nursing home abuse attorney
  • Insurance claim lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
  • Personal injury attorney near me
  • Legal services for personal injury victims
They're not stopping at providing top-notch legal representation; they're setting their sights on becoming a pillar of support, offering workshops and free legal clinics to empower those who mightn't otherwise have access to legal advice.

If you're grappling with where to turn for help or seeking solace in success stories of those who've walked this path before, there's a wealth of information and support waiting for you. Instead, they use their knowledge of Michigan's legal system to level the playing field for you. Moreover, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. Medical malpractice attorney

They'll offer expert advice on whether to proceed with a lawsuit or consider settlement options. Mastering successful insurance negotiations often marks the difference between a satisfactory settlement and one that truly covers all your needs after a car accident. Lastly, if you're in the Lansing area, they welcome you to visit their office. Injury compensation lawyer

That's where Clark Law Office steps in, aiming for a holistic approach to your recovery. Remember, every case is unique, and the types of compensation available will depend on the specifics of your situation. Personal injury appeal lawyer If your claim is denied, they'll also represent you in appeals, armed with the expertise to challenge the decision effectively.

Injury Attorney Lansing

Drawing inspiration from these success stories, it's crucial to consider your next steps once your case has been evaluated. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for non-financial losses. They'll work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served and that you receive the compensation you and your family deserve for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional distress you've been forced to endure. Lastly, advocating for policy changes can lead to significant improvements in healthcare quality and safety.

Let's handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. You have to link the breach directly to the injury or death. These emotions are part of the grieving process, yet they can feel overwhelming.

The Clark Law Office boasts a proven track record of success, securing significant settlements for dog bite and slip-and-fall victims in Lansing. They're looking into advanced case management systems to streamline their operations, ensuring that they're as efficient as possible.

Personal injury lawyer with experience

  1. Truck accident lawyer
  2. Injury claim filing assistance
  3. Workers’ compensation lawyer
  4. Spinal cord injury attorney
  5. Negligence lawyer
  6. Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  7. Personal injury claims
  8. Premises liability attorney
  9. Legal representation for accidents
  10. Personal injury lawyer
  11. Motorcycle accident lawyer
  12. Pedestrian injury attorney
  13. Insurance claim disputes
  14. Motor vehicle accident claims
  15. Injury lawyer for victims
  16. Best personal injury attorneys
It's essential to do this promptly to avoid any delays.

Navigating the personal injury claim process can be daunting, especially when dealing with insurance giants.

Construction accident lawyer

  • Personal injury claims
  • Premises liability attorney
  • Legal representation for accidents
  • Personal injury lawyer
  • Motorcycle accident lawyer
  • Pedestrian injury attorney
  • Insurance claim disputes
  • Motor vehicle accident claims
  • Injury lawyer for victims
  • Best personal injury attorneys
  • Personal injury trial lawyer
  • No win no fee lawyer
  • Assault lawyer
  • Bicycle accident lawyer
  • Medical malpractice attorney
  • Defective product lawyer
  • Slip and fall lawyer
Birth injuries can happen during labor and delivery, impacting a newborn's health significantly. This process involves providing detailed information about your injury and how it occurred. Injury lawsuit help



Personal injury lawsuit advice

  1. Insurance dispute lawyer
  2. Injury law firm
  3. Fall accident lawyer
  4. Recover damages lawyer
  5. Neck injury lawyer
  6. Injury claims lawyer
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  8. Lawsuit settlement lawyer
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  11. Legal claims for fall injuries
  12. Free injury case review
  13. Truck accident lawyer
  14. Injury claim filing assistance
  15. Workers’ compensation lawyer
  16. Spinal cord injury attorney
  17. Negligence lawyer
Injury Attorney Lansing
Traffic Accident Attorney Lansing
Traffic Accident Attorney Lansing

Personal injury law is designed to help you get compensated for these losses. It's an easy way to get your questions in front of a legal professional without having to pick up the phone. First off, you can visit their website to find detailed information on their services and to use the contact form available for quick inquiries. We stay up-to-date with legal advancements and use cutting-edge strategies to advocate for you.
Dealing with insurance companies can feel like you're in a maze, full of confusing terms and endless paperwork. By securing your free consultation, you're taking the first step towards understanding your legal rights and options. But here's where having Clark Law Office on your side changes the game.
They've also established a scholarship program for local students aspiring to careers in law, ensuring the next generation has the support they need to succeed. They're not just advocates; they're fighters, ready to stand up for your rights in court. They understand the profound impact of losing a loved one and the complexities that come with seeking justice in these cases. Learn more about Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing here
You're entitled to seek compensation if you're injured due to someone else's negligence or failure to control their pet. To identify malpractice, you'll need to look for signs that the care provided fell short.

Personal injury lawsuit advice

  • Construction accident lawyer
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  • Train accident lawyer
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  • Serious car accident lawyer
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  • Bicycle accident lawyer
  • Medical malpractice attorney
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  • Burn injury attorney
  • Concussion lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Compensation for accident injuries
  • Personal injury appeal lawyer
  • Injury lawsuit help
  • Personal injury damage recovery
  • Legal help for accident victims
Through meticulous investigation and leveraging expert testimonies, they secured a substantial settlement that not only provided financial relief but also prompted changes in hospital procedures, ensuring such a tragedy wouldn't recur.

Workplace Injury Attorney Lansing

This compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Moreover, Michigan imposes strict time limits for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. You're expected to contribute through leadership roles, publications, and by providing pro bono services. As you consider your next steps, you'll find that understanding the advantages of their expanded services, the process following an accident, and why their team might be the right choice for your legal support is crucial.
Achieving justice, for Clark Law Office, means going beyond the courtroom to ensure your road to recovery is smooth and supported every step of the way. Clark Law Office takes pride in sharing the triumphant stories of clients who've transformed their lives through successful legal battles. Being aware of these tactics can help you stand your ground.
Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances contribute to a healthier pregnancy outcome. This isn't just about legal representation; it's about providing support and guidance through one of the most challenging times in your life. That's exactly what you'll find here.
When it comes to selecting the top personal injury lawyer in Lansing, the criteria are as stringent as they're comprehensive, ensuring only the best of the best are recognized.

Medical malpractice attorney

  • Workplace injury attorney
  • Pain and suffering claims
  • Catastrophic injury attorney
  • Defamation lawyer
  • Nursing home abuse attorney
  • Insurance claim lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
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  • Bus accident attorney
  • Consultation for personal injury
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  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Insurance dispute lawyer
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First off, don't delay. You'll appreciate how they handle every aspect of your case, from the initial consultation to the final verdict or settlement.

Explore Head And Brain Injury Attorney Lansing here Personal injury litigation
Workplace Injury Attorney 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

First, ensure you're safe and seek medical attention. Then, document everything about the incident, including photos, and gather witness information. Finally, jot down your personal account of the event before reaching out for legal assistance.

Yes, the Clark Law Office can help you with personal injury claims involving governmental entities or public institutions. They've got the expertise to navigate these complex cases and fight for your rightful compensation.

You're wondering if The Clark Law Office offers pro bono services or engages in community legal education for those unable to afford legal help. They're committed to supporting the community through various legal assistance initiatives.