Life is complicated enough that you probably don’t want to think about everything you might need a lawyer for. However, it would help if you did so. Some situations in your life may require you to contact a reputable attorney and have that person in your corner. The following are some situations in which you might need a lawyer and how the attorney can best assist you.
1. You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident might be necessary if you are not 100% at fault for the incident. A personal injury law firm can help you get the funds to recover from any injuries you have from the accident.
One determining factor that will qualify you for personal injury compensation is neglect. The other driver in your accident can be negligent by ignoring traffic rules, driving aggressively, drinking, or using a substance before getting behind the wheel.
Another characteristic that might qualify your accident as a personal injury is a loss of funds. As an accident victim, you’ve probably had to pay many medical bills and have lost work wages and other income.
An accident attorney can help you regain everything you’ve lost because of your incident and more. Settlements can be as low as several hundred dollars, or they can get into millions. The neglect level and proof of loss will determine how much compensation you can receive. In some cases, the judge might punish the offending party more to deter them from making the same mistakes in the future.
The best part about hiring a personal injury lawyer is that many offer contingency representation. That means you might be eligible to have one represent you even if you do not have the money to pay immediately. A good lawyer might offer you contingency representation, meaning he or she will take fees out of your settlement once you win the case. Consultation fees for these types of lawyers are usually free as well. Thus, you can feel confident scheduling a meeting with a provider like this as quickly as possible.
2. You’ve Been Arrested for a Crime
You may need a lawyer for criminal law if someone accuses you of a crime. Most criminal acts are punishable by fines, jail times, embarrassment, employment problems, etc. A criminal defense law firm can be your best friend in these circumstances.
No matter what you’re being accused of, the accusers must prove that you are guilty before the judge can punish you for a crime. Criminal law firms can assist you using many methods and possibly clear your name from the accusation.
For example, criminal lawyers might question the methods of a police officer who accuses you of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He or she may also ask if the officer used the appropriate methods of making the arrest and information about your rights. Your case can be dismissed if your accuser did something wrong in those stages.
Even if there’s no way of getting the case dismissed, the criminal law expert will still fight hard to keep you from getting convicted. He or she will attempt to throw doubt in the minds of jury members and other spectators. Additionally, an attorney will help you if you do get convicted. He or she might be able to talk the judge into giving you a lesser punishment than what you expect. You can’t avoid hiring a specialist like this when dealing with an accusation.
You will also need to find a bail bond company if you are forced to spend time in jail. A good bail company can put up the funds to get you out of jail, so you can consult a good attorney about your case. Check the local listings to see if you can find a bail bond provider in your area. You’ll likely have to offer the provider a 10% down payment and some collateral they can hold onto while you await your court case.
3. You’ve Been Injured at Work
Workers compensation cases always come up when employees get injured on their jobs. Therefore, you might have to hire a lawyer for a workplace incident you’ve been through. You are eligible to receive payments and medical care through the worker’s compensation program at your job if you work for a qualified employer.
Such cases usually go smoothly but can end poorly if the insurance company denies the claim. That’s why having a good attorney on file for workers’ compensation cases is important. You can get the funds due to you by contacting such a provider as quickly as possible after hearing your case is denied.
4. You Haven’t Planned Your Estate
You might need to hire a lawyer for elder abuse if someone in your family experiences harsh treatment while staying in one of those facilities. An elder abuse attorney can ensure that the care facility gets investigated properly, and your family gets the compensation they should have for experiencing such atrocities.
You will also need to hire estate planning attorneys to help your older relative decide where he or she wants his or her money and assets to go upon that person’s death. Take your time so that you find the best person for the job and are satisfied with the results.
5. You’re a Victim of a Medical Error
You might need to hire a lawyer for compensation if you experience an unfortunate incident at a doctor’s office or hospital. Unfortunately, Medical malpractice is widespread and can occur in various forms. One example of medical malpractice is when a doctor misdiagnoses someone, resulting in greater sickness or death.
Another example of medical malpractice is when a nurse or practitioner ignores a patient’s records and issues that person a medication to which he or she is allergic. Malpractice can also occur during surgery when doctors and surgeons leave something inside a patient.
Many other incidents can qualify as medical malpractice, and they both require medical malpractice lawyers if you would like to get compensation to help you recover and keep your home and family intact.
A malpractice attorney is similar to a personal injury lawyer because he or she must prove that neglect occurred in your situation. The attorney will make a claim with the judge for an amount equal to what you have lost. This person will add up your medical bills, lost work wages, treatment bills, medical costs, and other expenses that resulted from the unexpected injury.
You’ll arrange a meeting with a lawyer in a consultation process. You’ll explain what you’ve suffered from the medical incident and submit all the necessary documentation. The attorney will review your case and let you know if it has a high win potential. If yes, you may be eligible for contingency representation. If the lawyer agrees to this representation, you won’t have to pay until you win your case. The chances are high that your case is strong if the attorney agrees to represent you for no immediate fee.
6. Your Debt Is Overwhelming
As much as everyone tries to excel financially, unexpected circumstances might cause them to become overwhelmed with debt. Every person is susceptible to experiencing job loss, unexpected illness, accident injuries, etc. The bills can get back up quickly, burying you when trying to catch up with your debt.
You might need a lawyer for bankruptcy if you fall into this situation. A bankruptcy attorney can help you ask the federal government for relief from your previous debts. You can include all your credit card bills, medical bills, car payments, and other obligations.
The first thing you’ll need to do is meet with this attorney to see if you qualify to file. Your income has to be under a certain amount to obtain approval to file for this classification.
There are two main bankruptcy types. Chapter 7 is where you don’t have enough money to pay your debts and desire to liquidate all your assets. Chapter 13 is the classification of people with decent earnings who can repay some of their debts.
If you meet the requirements, you’ll have to pay a fee to start the process. The attorney will complete your petition and send the judge your income and expense information. The judge will then decide whether you qualify. If you get a green light and win the case, you will be excused from the debts included in the bankruptcy forever. You’ll have to start rebuilding your reputation, and the bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years.
You may not want to go through this process, but it might be what you need to get through the rest of your life in peace.
7. Someone Gets Hurt at Your Job
You might need to hire a lawyer to protect your business if one of your customers gets hurt inside your building. Such a customer might sue your establishment for personal injury if the incident occurred because of neglect by you or one of your employees. Customers commonly slip on spills and obstructions, causing businesses to be susceptible to such claims.
You won’t have to worry much if you have a lawyer in your corner. You can rely on that attorney to step in and offer the highest level of protection for your business.
Certain types of business insurance can pay for your legal expenses that result from these incidents. Look into your policies and see if you have the protection necessary to help you through such a situation, and look for an attorney at the top of his or her game.
8. Your Spouse Leaves
Unfortunately, you might need a family law attorney if your spouse leaves you for someone else. You might also want to see this type of attorney if you have an abusive or unfaithful spouse. It may be necessary to get a lawyer to ensure you get everything you’re entitled to in the settlement.
You’ll also want to hire an attorney if you have children. The attorney can mediate between you and your spouse to ensure you reach an amicable agreement about custody and visitation. Many people don’t believe they need a lawyer for a divorce that doesn’t involve children and assets. However, that isn’t necessarily true. An attorney can ensure the paperwork is completed properly and filed on time. That way, you won’t have to return to the court or risk having your case dismissed or denied.
9. You Develop a Terminal Illness
You might need to hire a lawyer for estate planning or will creation if you develop an illness that isn’t likely to go into remission. This type of attorney can consult you and help you make the right decisions regarding your property and funds. You’ll also need to choose someone you trust who can help distribute these items once you are no longer around.
Hiring an estate planning attorney might be the step you need to take to ensure all of your family members are safe and happy upon your death. You’ll be glad you took the time to settle these matters so that you can truly rest in peace when your time on this earth ends.
10. You Create a Lot of Artwork
You might need a lawyer for protection if you suddenly create a lot of artwork, such as paintings, lyrics, books, blueprints, and other items. An intellectual property attorney can help you protect your items and prosecute those who violate your rights as the owner of such items.
You can find this type of expert using various methods and then talk to him or her about your material and the type of protection you want to have for it. The attorney will explain what you will get if you choose to have that person in your corner.
You now have information that explains the various attorneys you might have to hire a lawyer for throughout your life. Remember to research before giving any attorney a retainer and requesting his or her services. Check that person’s credentials with the bar association, visit their website, and read former and current clients’ reviews about their services. You’ll have a lawyer who can help you greatly if you go through the appropriate processes first.
