Lawyers are as varied as the number of fields in which they specialize. Some may even hone their skills to a specific niche. However, you won’t ask an employment lawyer to represent you during a medical malpractice suit, nor would you expect a corporate attorney to take on a criminal defense case.
You may never need these lawyers. However, there are a few common ones you might have to call for a little help. Here are a few of the most called upon types of lawyers and what they could do for you.
Personal Injury
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an estimated 400,000+ personal injury claims are made every year. Only a small fraction of these go to trial, and very few victims know how to present their case if it does. Having a specialized lawyer can make a world of difference.
According to Diamond & Diamond, having qualified legal counsel in your corner increases the possibility of an outcome in your favor. It can help you save on legal costs as well, as a lawyer may be able to help you settle out of court.
Criminal Defense
Films like to portray criminal defense lawyers as greedy individuals who would do anything to get a bad person back on the streets. However, these specialists do much more than represent high-profile felons.
These lawyers will fight on your behalf if you get arrested, whether it’s for a minor misdemeanor, DIU, or significant criminal charges. Guilty or innocent, you’ll want to hire a professional to help you get the best possible legal outcome.
Family and Divorce
Family and divorce lawyers see the best and the worst of couples and families. They’re involved in prenuptial, child custody, and divorce proceedings, while others may also handle estates and wills.
Due to the emotional and life-changing impact that these cases can have on families, it’s critical to get a representative that’s well versed in family law. The chances are that you may want your lawyer to do most of the talking, and some situations could have you excluded from most of the proceedings.
In child custody cases, they may even need to act as Guardian ad Litem to ensure that the outcome favors the kid(s) involved.
Medical Malpractice
When you need emergency medical attention, you don’t want to worry about leaving the hospital in worse condition than when you arrived. Unfortunately, there are times when malpractice can cause further injury, permanently damage your health, or even be fatal.
Most people mistakenly assume that medical malpractice only applies to surgeries, which may be why only 2% of victims apply for compensation. However, misdiagnoses, incorrect prescriptions, allergic reactions to medication, birth injuries, and even lack of informed consent can form the basis of a lawsuit.
A medical malpractice lawyer can determine if you’re a victim of wrongdoing and help you with your claim.
To Name a Few
There are dozens of different legal fields and specializations, from bankruptcy to toxic tort. We’ve only listed some of the most common types of lawyers you may require.
Whether you need to file a personal injury claim or are facing criminal charges, it’s always a good idea to get the right expert to represent you. Going to court on your own is never the best idea.
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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