Spinal Cord Injury Attorney In Lansing MI

Spinal Cord Injury Attorney In Lansing MI

Best personal injury attorneys

Our team specializes exclusively in personal injury law, which means we've got the focused expertise to handle your case, no matter how complex. First, you'll want to obtain the death certificate, as it's a pivotal piece of evidence that officially documents the cause of death. Their track record speaks volumes. Read more about Spinal Cord Injury Attorney In Lansing MI here When medical professionals don't adhere to the highest standards of care, the consequences can be life-altering for newborns and their families. 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.
They've been in the trenches, fought the hard fights, and emerged victorious, time and again. They can navigate the legal complexities and improve your chances of overturning the denial. This is where medical records, expert testimonies, and evidence of financial losses become invaluable.

Motor vehicle accident claims

  1. Slip and fall lawyer
  2. Wrongful death lawyer
  3. Personal injury settlement attorney
  4. Free injury case review
  5. Head injury lawyer
  6. Defective product lawyer
  7. Injury compensation lawyer
  8. Workplace injury attorney
  9. Insurance claim disputes
  10. Compensation for accident injuries
  11. Concussion lawyer
  12. Insurance claim lawyer
  13. Injured worker lawyer
  14. Personal injury lawsuit
  15. Amputation lawyer
  16. Back injury lawyer
  17. Car accident attorney
  18. Negligence lawyer
  19. Serious car accident lawyer
At The Clark Law Office, you're not just another case number; their client-centered approach ensures your needs and concerns are always a top priority.
You might wonder why these stories matter. Truck accident lawyer Then there's Jake, who slipped on an untreated icy sidewalk outside a local business. A skilled personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable guidance, helping you understand your rights and the benefits you're entitled to.

Nursing home abuse attorney

  • Legal help for accident victims
  • Injury claim filing assistance
  • Injury claims lawyer
  • Injury lawsuit help
  • Contingency fee lawyer
  • Construction accident lawyer
  • Workers’ compensation lawyer
  • Consultation for personal injury
  • Bus accident attorney
  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Accident attorney
  • Personal injury claims
  • Lawsuit settlement lawyer
  • Legal representation for accidents
  • Slip and fall lawyer
  • Wrongful death lawyer
  • Personal injury settlement attorney
  • Free injury case review
You're not left in the dark either; they'll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you understand your options and the legal process.
You're not just another file on their desk; you're a person who deserves attention to detail and a tailored strategy that aligns with your specific needs. Moreover, there's the cost of adapting your home to meet the needs of your child, which can include everything from installing ramps to purchasing specialized equipment. 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. Learn more about The Clark Law Office here. We're here to listen, advise, and act on your behalf, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Legal help for accident victims

Moreover, this initial meeting allows you to assess the lawyer's experience, expertise, and personality. Moreover, The Clark Law Office brings to the table a wealth of experience and a track record of success that speaks volumes.

Motorcycle accident lawyer

  1. Legal advocacy for injured clients
  2. Medical expense lawyer
  3. Train accident lawyer
  4. Assault lawyer
  5. Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  6. Legal consultation for injury
  7. Legal advice for personal injury
  8. Serious injury attorney
  9. Injury law firm
  10. Dog bite injury lawyer
  11. Legal help for injured individuals
  12. Top-rated personal injury lawyer
  13. Bicycle accident lawyer
  14. No win no fee lawyer
  15. Recover damages lawyer
  16. Law firm for personal injury cases
This means if you're found partly at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. They've got teams of experts whose job is to minimize what they pay out.

We've made it easy for you to get in touch with us, ensuring that you can start your journey to compensation without delay. That's the kind of comprehensive care Clark Law Office strives to provide. Building on their unmatched expertise, the Clark Law Office has also achieved record-setting verdicts and settlements in Lansing's car accident and injury cases.

You're now able to sit down with a seasoned personal injury lawyer, at no cost, to understand the merits of your case and the potential avenues for compensation. These testimonials serve as powerful reminders that you're not alone in your fight. Brain injury lawyer You can call us directly at our office.

It's essential to do this promptly to avoid any delays. Preventing workplace injuries is a critical responsibility for both employers and employees to ensure a safe work environment. You've likely heard their name whispered through the grapevines of those seeking restitution and a voice in their darkest hours.



Motor vehicle accident claims

  1. Motorcycle accident lawyer
  2. Accident compensation lawyer
  3. Injury lawyer for medical bills
  4. Personal injury lawyer with experience
  5. Truck accident lawyer
  6. Spinal cord injury attorney
  7. Legal help for accident victims
  8. Injury claim filing assistance
  9. Injury claims lawyer
  10. Injury lawsuit help
  11. Contingency fee lawyer
  12. Construction accident lawyer
  13. Workers’ compensation lawyer
  14. Consultation for personal injury
  15. Bus accident attorney

Slip And Fall Attorney 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

Top Accident Attorney Lansing

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.

Truck Accident Lawyer Lansing

Nearby Personal Injury Lawyer Lansing

Foster and Harmon P.C.

Law firm, Bankruptcy attorney, Social security attorney
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

Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Lansing

By taking action, you're not only seeking compensation for your family's suffering but also helping to prevent future incidents. The Clark Law Office has met these challenges head-on, always putting their clients' interests at the forefront, which has ultimately led them to be recognized as Lansing's top personal injury lawyer for 2025. When you're faced with this daunting situation, it's essential to understand that you're not alone. You have to link the breach directly to the injury or death.

They understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injuries, and they're relentless in their pursuit of justice. If you spot a potential hazard, report it immediately. Their expertise spans from car accidents, where the nuances of Michigan's no-fault law come into play, to more complex medical malpractice cases, demanding a deep understanding of healthcare standards and injuries.

Don't cut corners, even if it seems like a time-saver.

Motorcycle accident lawyer

  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Medical expense lawyer
  • Train accident lawyer
  • Assault lawyer
  • Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  • Legal consultation for injury
  • Legal advice for personal injury
  • Serious injury attorney
  • Injury law firm
  • Dog bite injury lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
  • Top-rated personal injury lawyer
  • Bicycle accident lawyer
  • No win no fee lawyer
  • Recover damages lawyer
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
  • Legal support for injury claims
  • Local personal injury lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
Nursing home abuse attorney You should also be aware that Michigan follows a 'strict liability' dog bite law. Understanding the battle against insurance giants sets the stage for appreciating what gives The Clark Law Office a unique advantage in these confrontations.

We're committed to transparency, keeping you informed and involved at every stage of the process. Let The Clark Law Office be your advocate and guide towards justice and recovery. Understanding the full scope of what you're owed is crucial.

Brain injury lawyer

  • Injury law firm
  • Dog bite injury lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
  • Top-rated personal injury lawyer
  • Bicycle accident lawyer
  • No win no fee lawyer
  • Recover damages lawyer
  • Law firm for personal injury cases
  • Legal support for injury claims
  • Local personal injury lawyer
  • Personal injury litigation
  • Injury lawyers near me
  • Insurance dispute lawyer
  • Personal injury lawyer
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Auto accident lawyer
  • Catastrophic injury attorney


Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Lansing
Auto Collision Attorney Lansing

Auto Collision Attorney Lansing

You're not alone in this journey. At The Clark Law Office, we're dedicated to guiding you through every step of your dog bite or slip-and-fall claim with precision and care. You're not just looking at funeral expenses and medical bills. You'll find their approach personalized, focusing on your unique situation.

Best personal injury attorneys

  • Injured worker lawyer
  • Personal injury lawsuit
  • Amputation lawyer
  • Back injury lawyer
  • Car accident attorney
  • Negligence lawyer
  • Serious car accident lawyer
  • Legal advocacy for injured clients
  • Medical expense lawyer
  • Train accident lawyer
  • Assault lawyer
  • Wrongful termination injury lawyer
  • Legal consultation for injury
  • Legal advice for personal injury
  • Serious injury attorney
  • Injury law firm
  • Dog bite injury lawyer
  • Legal help for injured individuals
  • Top-rated personal injury lawyer
  • Bicycle accident lawyer
She was terrified of the legal process but decided to reach out to us.

You're in luck, though, as Lansing's leading personal injury lawyer is stepping into the light, ready to guide you through the complexities of your rights and the processes involved. Your vigilance could prevent not only your injury but also that of your coworkers. Disability lawyer 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. This includes deadlines for filing claims, comparative negligence rules, and caps on damages.

Nursing home abuse attorney

  • Spinal cord injury attorney
  • Legal help for accident victims
  • Injury claim filing assistance
  • Injury claims lawyer
  • Injury lawsuit help
  • Contingency fee lawyer
  • Construction accident lawyer
  • Workers’ compensation lawyer
  • Consultation for personal injury
  • Bus accident attorney
  • Legal services for personal injury victims
  • Accident attorney
  • Personal injury claims
  • Lawsuit settlement lawyer
  • Legal representation for accidents


Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation. Injury lawyer for victims This accolade isn't just a badge of honor; it's a testament to the firm's unwavering commitment to advocating for those wronged by negligence. In short, Michigan's legal landscape for accident claims is filled with specific rules that can significantly influence your case's outcome. This means you won't pay attorney fees unless you win your case.

Their proven track record of success and strategic legal methods have made them a go-to for victims seeking justice and compensation. Choosing Clark Law Office means you're setting yourself up for the best chance of success. These evaluations aren't just about numbers; they're a chance for you to meet your potential lawyer, understand their approach, and gauge whether they're the right fit for you. Then there's Mike, a construction worker injured on the job.

Injury Attorney Lansing

We'll handle the paperwork, the calls, and the negotiation, ensuring you're not left at a disadvantage. Contact your representatives, participate in public forums, and support legislative initiatives aimed at reducing birth injuries. Motor vehicle accident claims Pain and suffering claims With over 30 years under their belt, The Clark Law Office has consistently delivered outstanding legal services, showcasing decades of legal excellence. Another case involved a fatal car accident caused by a distracted driver. We believe that your participation in the legal process is vital.

They're ready to take on the challenge, guiding you through every legal hurdle with compassion and expertise. Contacting The Clark Law Office is your first move toward victory. As an employer, you must adhere to safety protocols and provide training that educates your team on the importance of these measures. They might seem friendly at first, but it's crucial you're aware of their tactics.

Injury Attorney Lansing
Negligence Law Firm Lansing
Negligence Law Firm 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. First and foremost, you've got to be an employee. They're often looking to minimize their payout, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and undercompensated. Having equipped yourself with knowledge of personal injury law, it's crucial to explore how to navigate the claims process effectively.

Instead, you'll experience a partnership that's built on trust, transparency, and tireless advocacy. Facing resistance from the business owner, he felt his case was hopeless. Motorcycle accident lawyer Personal injury trial lawyer A face-to-face meeting can sometimes make all the difference when you're facing legal challenges.

When Sarah, a Lansing local, found herself the victim of a severe dog bite during a routine jog, she turned to The Clark Law Office for help. Moreover, Clark Law Office empowers you by keeping you informed every step of the way. At the heart of our success lies a commitment to putting our clients' needs first, ensuring personalized and effective legal representation in every case.

Financially, the repercussions can also be significant, especially if the deceased was a primary earner. Suddenly, you're left to figure out how to manage without their income, which can add an immense strain to an already difficult situation. The expertise of these attorneys can greatly influence the outcome of your case.

Rear-End Collision Lawyer Lansing

This could range from negotiating a settlement with the responsible party's insurance company to taking your case to court if a satisfactory agreement can't be reached. Explore Spinal Cord Injury Attorney In Lansing MI here They'll offer expert advice on whether to proceed with a lawsuit or consider settlement options. That's where understanding your rights and the value of your claim comes into play. That's why they're committed to personal, compassionate client representation. One notable case involved a newborn who suffered severe brain damage due to delayed cesarean section.
Don't hesitate to call; they're known for their friendly and approachable service. It demands a deep understanding of the community's needs and an unwavering commitment to serving those needs with integrity.

Spinal cord injury attorney

  • Best personal injury attorneys
  • Personal injury trial lawyer
  • Pain and suffering claims
  • Brain injury lawyer
  • Nursing home abuse attorney
  • Product liability lawyer
  • Personal injury defense attorney
  • Burn injury attorney
  • Injury lawyer for victims
  • Motor vehicle accident claims
  • Disability lawyer
  • Medical malpractice attorney
  • Accident lawyer for settlement
  • Motorcycle accident lawyer
  • Accident compensation lawyer
  • Injury lawyer for medical bills
  • Personal injury lawyer with experience
  • Truck accident lawyer
  • Spinal cord injury attorney
  • Legal help for accident victims
Instead, it's about proving negligence or failure to provide the expected standard of care. You'll find the specifics in the denial letter from the insurance company.
If you've been hurt in a car crash, you're not alone. If a healthcare professional's carelessness has caused you harm, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. When you walk through their doors, you'll immediately feel the difference. Learn more about Spinal Cord Injury Attorney In Lansing MI here You're already dealing with the stress of recovery; you shouldn't have to worry about upfront costs just to understand your legal rights and options.
Documentation is your best friend here. Moreover, digital document management systems ensure that all your case files are organized and easily accessible, eliminating the risk of misplaced paperwork.

Injury lawyer for medical bills

  1. No win no fee lawyer
  2. Recover damages lawyer
  3. Law firm for personal injury cases
  4. Legal support for injury claims
  5. Local personal injury lawyer
  6. Personal injury litigation
  7. Injury lawyers near me
  8. Insurance dispute lawyer
  9. Personal injury lawyer
  10. Burn injury attorney
  11. Auto accident lawyer
  12. Catastrophic injury attorney
  13. Personal injury lawyer with experience
  14. Truck accident lawyer
  15. Spinal cord injury attorney
Clark Law ensures you're supported every step of the way, transforming a potentially isolating experience into one where you feel understood and genuinely cared for. Beyond these, workplace accidents and product liability cases are also frequent.

Rear-End Collision 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

You're curious about the types of personal injury cases the Clark Law Office handles and what they don't. They specialize in various areas but specifics on what they exclude aren't readily available without further details.