subject: 4 Duties Of A Personal Injury Attorney [print this page] Personal injury claims are some of the most common cases around the country. Many companies and individuals have been involved in personal injury claims at one time or another. During these times, it is important to hire the services of a personal injury attorney who can represent and protect the client during the proceedings. The lawyer has several responsibilities during the case.
Evaluating the case
One of the most important duties of the attorney is to evaluate the case and provide the best legal representation. In order to get successful resolution, the lawyer has to carry out extensive research on the case. This is done in an attempt to offer the client the best advice and to protect the rights of the client. A good lawyer will not just take the word of the client about the events, but will try to carry out independent research in order to give the client the best advice.
Drafting legal documents
Most people would not know how to go about drafting legal documents. Thankfully, they do not have to, as it is the duty of the attorney to draft the documents and file the complaint in court. There are several documents to draft and they include testimonials and all other evidence required by the court. The lawyer has to have comprehensive documents that will facilitate arguing the case in court, and to discuss the options regarding the case with the client.
Collecting evidence
The attorney has the duty to collect evidence that is vital for the case. The evidence includes eyewitness testimonies, testimonies from doctors and other relevant authorities. The lawyer has to establish how the injury will affect the client's life and the long-term consequences of the accident. A good lawyer will collect a lot of evidence to make sure that the case is airtight. The better the evidence, the higher the chances of getting a favorable outcome or settlement.
Offering support
The lawyer offers support to the client by making sure that the client is not questioned outside the lawyer's presence. The client's actions can jeopardize the case and it is important to make sure that the client has been informed of his or her responsibility. The lawyer also provides the client with a realistic picture of the outcome of the case. If the case is weak, the lawyer will inform the client not to expect too much. The lawyer also prepares the client for the trial, including how they should field questions during the trial.
A good lawyer has the duty to ensure that the client's rights are respected and observed all the time. Sometimes, this includes keeping the client away from the case for his or her own protection. Some clients are their own worst enemy. The lawyer works to ensure that the client gets the maximum compensation possible. Personal injury lawyers work on contingency, where they get a percentage of the award. This means that it is in the attorney's best interest to get as much compensation as possible.
