It’s easy to think that you can handle a serious legal matter on your own, but a lot of people who try soon discover that they don’t have the necessary legal knowledge and expertise. A lawyer is an investment that helps make certain that your legal matters are handled quickly, efficiently and correctly.
You can typically resolve basic legal matters—such as early-stage consumer protection concerns, personal disputes and sales contracts—on your own or through an organization, government agency or media outlet. You absolutely must call a lawyer if you face any of the following:
Major Contract Transactions
Contracts contain fine print and highly specific, complicated legal language and terminology. You should never attempt to handle divorce or separation contracts, will and inheritance documents, real estate transaction forms, adoption paperwork, or bankruptcy filings on your own. A lawyer is a must for contract negotiations where fine print can lead to loopholes or technical terms can be easily overlooked. Only a lawyer has the skills to correctly interpret contract terms to settle breach disputes.
Criminal and Civil Lawsuits
Any action you take during a criminal or civil lawsuit can make your situation worse. A lawyer who specializes in criminal or civil law knows the various defenses that defendants have used in the past to win their cases—and what defendants have done to sabotage their claims. A lawyer uses this knowledge to create a case customized to the situation. A lawyer can also tell you whether you should accept a plea deal or settlement arrangement.
Medical Malpractice Cases
Victims of medical malpractice often suffer permanent injury or die. If you or a loved one becomes a victim, you should always seek out the counsel of a lawyer to review the unique circumstances around the event. A lawyer can tell you if you have a legitimate case. A lawyer can also help you receive the highest possible settlement. More importantly, a successful lawsuit helps give you the peace of mind that the person or persons responsible received appropriate punishment and can harm no one else.
Automobile Accidents
Lastly, automobile accidents can be a legal mire, and a lawyer can help you find the best solution when that accident results in injury, property damage or death. Don’t be mistaken, however, calling a lawyer immediately following a serious car accident is probably not the best course of action. A car accident lawyer in Louisville, Kentucky, recommends first making sure everyone is safe and out of harm’s way, then calling the police and the insurance company before, last of all, calling an attorney. Car accident lawyers help drivers who feel that they have been unjustly sued and injured parties seeking restitution to make sure their lives are not upended by an errant driver or accident.
If you feel you need a lawyer, then don’t hesitate to contact one today. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations. Many lawyers also offer reduced fee and credit payment plans.
This article is from Marlena Stoddard, who writes on health, parenting and everything in between. Originally from Senoia, GA, Marlena lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband and two children. When she isn’t spending time with her children or writing, Marlena enjoys hiking and photography, animals and painting. For more on Marlena, you can follow her on Google+.
