We've all seen ads for personal injury lawyers on TV. But even among other lawyers, there are many misconceptions about what a personal injury attorney actually does. Here's what you need to know.
Tort Law
Personal injury lawyers practice an area of law known as tort law. According to Cornell University, under US law, a 'tort' is "an act or omission that gives rise to injury or harm to another and amounts to a civil wrong for which courts impose liability."
Personal injury lawyers help their clients to navigate the court system and ensure that they receive appropriate compensation at the end of proceedings. Most people are aware that they can claim compensation if they suffer an injury that is someone else's fault. But few people understand how the courts will calculate their compensation.
Types Of CasesThe types of cases that a personal injury lawyer can handle are just as varied as the injuries that plaintiffs can suffer. Some of the most common types of cases involve the following:
- Animal bites
- Automobile and aviation accidents
- Burn injuries
- Construction accidents
- Defective Products
- Slips, trips, and falls
In cases of wrongful death, the deceased's next of kin can still pursue a compensation claim on their behalf.
What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do?Personal injury lawyers are involved in every stage of their cases, starting from when the plaintiff decides to file a suit and ending with compensation or an appeal. Their job is similar to that of any other lawyer.
However, one aspect of being a personal injury lawyer that stands out and draws many people to the profession is gathering evidence. The more evidence they can present at trial, the more likely the plaintiff is to be successful.
If the plaintiff has suffered a life-altering or highly traumatic injury, their attorney can be a valuable support source. Some personal injury lawyers work in particular niches. For example, some personal injury attorneys specialize in medical malpractice, while others will deal specifically with breech births.
What Skills And Qualifications Do You Need?The requirements to work as a personal injury attorney are similar to other lawyer roles. You will need to earn a law degree and pass the bar exam for your state. You can only do this once you have passed your LSAT with a sufficiently high score and secured an undergraduate degree.
There are also opportunities for qualified personal injury attorneys to earn certification in specific areas. For example, some lawyers choose to become specialists in civil trial advocacy.
As well as having the right qualifications, numerous skills will benefit a personal injury attorney and their clients. For example, being a skilled orator is always beneficial to a lawyer. It also pays to be an effective advocate for your clients while taking a genuine interest in them and their wellbeing.
Working as a personal injury attorney allows lawyers to make a positive difference to their clients' lives. If someone suffers an injury due to someone else's negligence or malice, compensation can help cover their medical bills and offer some form of redress.