Negligence Attorney Lansing

Negligence Attorney Lansing

Personal injury trial lawyer

It's not just about gathering evidence; it's about presenting it in a way that unambiguously shows the extent of your losses and the other party's liability. They understand that navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when you're dealing with the emotional aftermath of a birth injury. By harnessing the power of virtual reality, we can reconstruct accident scenes with pinpoint accuracy, providing compelling evidence that can make a significant difference in the courtroom. Or consider another scenario where they fought for a worker injured on the job, overcoming challenges to prove negligence. Read more about Negligence Attorney Lansing here
Most states have strict deadlines for notifying your employer about the injury, often within a few days of the incident. They know how to argue your case, making sure the insurance companies understand the full extent of your needs. It's a no-pressure, no-commitment initial meeting that focuses purely on providing you with the information you need.
You're not just looking at funeral expenses and medical bills.

Compensation for accident injuries

  1. No win no fee lawyer
  2. Consultation for personal injury
  3. Accident compensation lawyer
  4. Motorcycle accident lawyer
  5. Back injury lawyer
  6. Burn injury attorney
  7. Recover damages lawyer
  8. Truck accident lawyer
  9. Insurance claim disputes
  10. Local personal injury lawyer
  11. Personal injury attorney near me
  12. Legal advice for personal injury
  13. Pain and suffering claims
  14. Legal representation for injuries
  15. Insurance claim lawyer
  16. Accident lawyer for settlement
Let's move forward together. Mostly, birth injuries result from physical pressure during the birthing process, but they can also stem from medical negligence.
This is where medical records, expert testimonies, and evidence of financial losses become invaluable. That's where The Clark Law Office steps in.

Compensation for accident injuries

  • Legal claims for fall injuries
  • Car accident attorney
  • Wrongful death lawyer
  • Free injury case review
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Legal support for injury claims
  • Personal injury claims
  • Defamation lawyer
  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Motor vehicle accident claims
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Accident attorney
  • Train accident lawyer
  • Injury compensation lawyer
  • No win no fee lawyer
  • Consultation for personal injury
  • Accident compensation lawyer
  • Motorcycle accident lawyer
These benefits can cover a range of needs, from medical expenses to a portion of your lost wages if you're unable to work.

Learn more about Top-Rated Lansing Personal Injury Attorneys Near You here.

This personalized approach ensures that our strategies aren't only effective but also aligned with your expectations and comfort level. Our attorneys have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. Lawsuit settlement lawyer A skilled personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable guidance, helping you understand your rights and the benefits you're entitled to. First off, we've got a proven track record.

Injured worker lawyer

  1. Consultation for personal injury
  2. Accident compensation lawyer
  3. Motorcycle accident lawyer
  4. Back injury lawyer
  5. Burn injury attorney
  6. Recover damages lawyer
  7. Truck accident lawyer
  8. Insurance claim disputes
  9. Local personal injury lawyer
  10. Personal injury attorney near me
  11. Legal advice for personal injury
  12. Pain and suffering claims
  13. Legal representation for injuries
  14. Insurance claim lawyer
  15. Accident lawyer for settlement
  16. Injury claim filing assistance
  17. Personal injury litigation
  18. Compensation for accident injuries


These stories highlight that you're not alone. During your visit, you'll find a welcoming environment where you can discuss your case confidentially with our experienced attorneys. Building on the foundation laid by the vital role of personal injury lawyers, Clark Law's approach to justice emphasizes personalized legal strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

This could stem from a car accident caused by a reckless driver, a fatal slip and fall on an unsafe property, or inadequate medical care leading to death. These stories aren't just examples of their success; they're a testament to The Clark Law Office's dedication to their clients. Their goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your case. Injury lawyer for medical bills

They're not just looking at the immediate impacts but also considering the long-term needs of your child, ensuring that any settlement or verdict reflects the full extent of your damages. The specifics can vary, so it's important to understand how your state calculates these benefits. Knowing your rights is the first step to safeguarding your interests after a dog bite or slip-and-fall incident.

Intersection 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

Accident Lawyer In Lansing MI

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.

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Lansing

Nearby Personal Injury Lawyer Lansing

Wood & Associates PLLC

Attorney, Bankruptcy attorney, Divorce lawyer, Estate planning attorney, Family law attorney, Law firm, Paralegal services provider
Wood & Associates PLLC, 901 N Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906

Basiga Law Firm

Criminal justice attorney, Civil law attorney, Divorce lawyer, Family law attorney, General practice attorney, Immigration attorney, Law firm, Attorney, Legal services, Trial attorney
Basiga Law Firm, 909 N Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906


Citations and other links

Water Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Lansing

Identifying medical malpractice involves understanding when a healthcare provider's actions or inactions deviate from accepted standards of practice, potentially harming a patient. You might wonder what that looks like in real life. Navigating the murky waters of workers' compensation can feel like trying to find your way through a labyrinth without a map. Throughout this journey, communication with your legal team is key. The Clark Law Office is stepping up precisely because they recognize the devastating impact these financial pressures can have on a family already dealing with so much.

Legal consultation for injury

  1. Slip and fall lawyer
  2. Legal support for injury claims
  3. Personal injury claims
  4. Defamation lawyer
  5. Legal advocacy for injured clients
  6. Motor vehicle accident claims
  7. Burn injury attorney
  8. Accident attorney
  9. Train accident lawyer
  10. Injury compensation lawyer
  11. No win no fee lawyer
  12. Consultation for personal injury
  13. Accident compensation lawyer
  14. Motorcycle accident lawyer
  15. Back injury lawyer
  16. Burn injury attorney
  17. Recover damages lawyer
  18. Truck accident lawyer
  19. Insurance claim disputes
  20. Local personal injury lawyer


During a free consultation, you'll gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Our friendly team is always ready to listen to your story, provide initial advice, and schedule a more in-depth consultation. You've only got a three-year window from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. At the heart of our success lies a commitment to putting our clients' needs first, ensuring personalized and effective legal representation in every case.

You'll find that their approach is both personal and professional, a balance that's hard to come by. These stories aren't just victories; they're a beacon of hope. This step is critical because there are often strict deadlines for notifying your employer about the injury to qualify for workers' compensation benefits. To grasp why The Clark Law Office is taking on insurance giants, it's crucial to understand the dynamics of these legal battles.

Their track record speaks volumes. Insurance dispute lawyer Navigating these legal complexities isn't easy, but it's necessary for seeking justice. It's important to remember you're not alone; many have walked this path and found a way through. Moreover, The Clark Law Office brings to the table a wealth of experience and a track record of success that speaks volumes.

Water Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Lansing
Accidental Fatality Attorney Lansing

Accidental Fatality Attorney Lansing

Understanding your insurance claim's value is crucial, but it's also important to know the types of compensation you may be entitled to. Exploring case studies from Clark Law Office, you'll find compelling examples of how they've successfully represented families in birth injury lawsuits.

Product liability lawyer

  1. Injured worker lawyer
  2. Injury claims lawyer
  3. Legal claims for fall injuries
  4. Car accident attorney
  5. Wrongful death lawyer
  6. Free injury case review
  7. Slip and fall lawyer
  8. Legal support for injury claims
  9. Personal injury claims
  10. Defamation lawyer
  11. Legal advocacy for injured clients
  12. Motor vehicle accident claims
  13. Burn injury attorney
  14. Accident attorney
  15. Train accident lawyer
  16. Injury compensation lawyer
  17. No win no fee lawyer
The rising number of birth injury and medical malpractice cases has become a significant concern for families and healthcare professionals alike. In the legal landscape of Lansing, a beacon of hope and justice, The Clark Law Office, has been crowned the top personal injury lawyer for 2025.

You've got bills piling up, and they know it, playing on your urgency for resolution. It's not just about physical harm; it can also encompass emotional and psychological injuries. As you consider the benefits of such a consultation, remember that the insights gained could be the compass you need to navigate your way to justice. Personal injury defense attorney

Start by gathering all medical records related to the pregnancy, birth, and any treatments following the injury. Initially, you'll need to gather all medical records and any evidence related to the birth injury. You can call us directly at our office. Personal injury trial lawyer

This law firm's future in Lansing looks not only promising but also transformative, for both the firm and the community it serves. 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'll learn whether your case holds merit, the kinds of compensation you might be entitled to, and the legal strategies that could be employed on your behalf. Compensation for accident injuries

Fatal Car Accident Attorney Lansing

Next, jot down a timeline of events leading up to and following the incident. Embarking on a new chapter, The Clark Law Office continues to champion the rights of those injured due to the negligence of others. The legal team meticulously gathered evidence, proving the insurance company's negligence.

Personal injury defense attorney

  1. Injury claims lawyer
  2. Legal claims for fall injuries
  3. Car accident attorney
  4. Wrongful death lawyer
  5. Free injury case review
  6. Slip and fall lawyer
  7. Legal support for injury claims
  8. Personal injury claims
  9. Defamation lawyer
  10. Legal advocacy for injured clients
  11. Motor vehicle accident claims
  12. Burn injury attorney
  13. Accident attorney
  14. Train accident lawyer
  15. Injury compensation lawyer
The Clark Law Office has streamlined its communication channels to ensure you're always a click or a call away from the help you need.
For example, if a doctor uses excessive force with forceps or a vacuum, it can lead to severe injuries. Be prepared to share all relevant information during the consultation. We're here to ensure that you feel supported and confident in our abilities to secure the compensation you deserve.
With our seasoned attorneys by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details. After receiving your free evaluation from The Clark Law Office, you'll have a clearer understanding of your case's potential. Learn more about Negligence Attorney Lansing here First, you'll need to gather all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
Next, you'll need to prove a breach of that duty. Our team has extensive experience in dealing with a wide range of workplace injuries, from construction accidents to office-related strains. If negotiations don't result in a fair settlement, your lawyer is prepared to take the case to court.

Fatal Car Accident Attorney Lansing
Personal Injury Law Firm Lansing
Personal Injury Law Firm Lansing

So, when you're looking for a personal injury lawyer who offers comprehensive services and a commitment to justice, The Clark Law Office is the partner you need. You'll need documentation of the care received, expert opinions on the standard of care expected, and proof of the harm suffered. Their relentless pursuit of justice resulted in a landmark verdict, compelling the company to overhaul its safety measures and preventing future losses of life. Choosing Clark Law Office means you're setting yourself up for the best possible legal support and a team that's genuinely invested in your well-being and success. Product liability lawyer After notifying your employer, you'll need to fill out the necessary paperwork they provide.

You've likely heard their name associated with some of the largest awards in the area, underscoring their ability to navigate the complexities of personal injury law successfully. From the moment you reach out to us, we'll listen to your story, assess your situation, and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. Your story could be next. At Clark Law, you're not just getting a lawyer; you're gaining a support system.

Our free consultation ensures you receive professional legal insight without any obligation. They're not intimidated by the size or resources of these insurance giants. Personal injury lawsuit advice Exploring the concept of free evaluations, it's important to know that they offer an initial assessment of your case without any financial obligation. She was terrified of the legal process but decided to reach out to us.

In addition to these expansions, you'll find that they've bolstered their legal team with experts in each of these areas. Navigating the complexities of workers' compensation can be daunting, especially when you're dealing with the aftermath of an injury. They're skilled at negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure fair settlements. This requires gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and more.

Head injury lawyer
Retail Store Slip And Fall Lawyer Lansing

It's surprising how a simple picture can be twisted to undermine your case. They can offer the guidance and representation needed to fight for your rights and ensure that justice is served. They don't just rely on the facts. This can range from car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents to medical malpractice and workplace injuries. Brain injury lawyer
You've got to have a track record of securing significant victories for your clients, whether through settlements or verdicts. In Michigan, for example, you typically have three years from the date of death. Now, as they step into the future, they're doubling down on that commitment. Amputation lawyer
Don't forget to consult with a specialized wrongful death attorney who can guide you through the legal maze. You're not alone in this journey. The loss of a loved one can profoundly shake your world, leaving you to navigate through a haze of grief and legal complexities.
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages. What's more, these achievements haven't only placed the Clark Law Office in the spotlight but have also raised the bar for legal representation in Lansing.

Personal injury lawyer with experience

  • Car accident attorney
  • Wrongful death lawyer
  • Free injury case review
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Legal support for injury claims
  • Personal injury claims
  • Defamation lawyer
  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Motor vehicle accident claims
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Accident attorney
  • Train accident lawyer
  • Injury compensation lawyer
  • No win no fee lawyer
  • Consultation for personal injury
  • Accident compensation lawyer
  • Motorcycle accident lawyer
  • Back injury lawyer
  • Burn injury attorney
Whether it's dealing with insurance adjusters, filing claims for property damage and medical expenses, or negotiating fair settlements, we've got your back.

Explore Negligence Attorney Lansing here
Retail Store Slip And Fall Lawyer 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

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.