Attorneys provide a wide variety of services to their clients, but it can be difficult to know when to go to a lawyer for help. The answer will largely depend on your situation. Here are a few of the signs that you might be in over your head with legal matters or could be due compensation for a grievance.
You Have Been Charged With A Crime
Perhaps the most obvious time when you should enlist the aid of a lawyer is when you have been charged with a crime. You should have an attorney with you at all times when being questioned by law enforcement and must be prepared to work with your attorney throughout the case to secure the best possible outcome for yourself. Your attorney will need your aid to gather all the details of the case, such as possible witness accounts, evidence, and information you can provide about the incident in question. They will guide you through the process and coach you on how to handle the situation. Trying to face criminal charges without an attorney is always likely to result in a worse outcome.
Before You Get Sued
If you own a business, you need to have an attorney on retainer. Common advice is that if you wait until you have been sued, it’s too late. The services attorneys working in all specializations of law provide are key for preventing damaging lawsuits down the road. This is especially true for contracts, which often need to be either drafted or approved by a legal professional to ensure they will provide adequate protection. Intellectual property protections and concerns are another thing businesses may want to see a lawyer about to prevent future lawsuits. Attorneys can also provide advice on the legal aspects of hiring and firing employees, merging and dissolving companies, starting a business and more.
You Have Been Injured
Personal injury attorneys work to get clients compensation for physical and emotional suffering as a result of injuries sustained in specific ways. This could be from an injury that occurred at work, at a business or even at a friend’s house. In some cases, you may be able to get compensation even if you were at fault for the injury, although there are far more limitations on that than if you were not at fault. You should not worry about pursuing a worker’s compensation claim, as that is the reason employers are required to carry workman’s comp insurance. The money you earn from a claim can pay for your medical bills, lost income and trauma you have suffered due to the injury. If you have been injured and you think another party might be to blame, an orange county lawyer can be contacted for advice.
You Believe You Have Been Discriminated Against
It is against the law to discriminate against people in protected classes. Protected groups are defined by the federal and state governments and are based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability, among other traits. Though unfortunately, these suits are often difficult to prove, it is important to hold employers, landlords and others accountable for breaking the law. If you believe you have been fired from a job or denied housing because of your identity, a lawyer can examine your case and help you determine your options. You may be able to recover lost wages, or, if desired, get your job back.
You Have A Family Matter
You should also not hesitate to go to a lawyer if you are administering an estate for someone else, are filing for a complicated divorce, are adopting a child, face having a child removed from your custody or are involved in any other domestic issues covered by family law. These cases are difficult and can become more painful if they get drawn out because you did not have adequate legal help. A qualified family law attorney will help you settle the matter as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can move on with your life.
Attorneys provide vital services to the public in a number of capacities. They are there to help and you should go to one when needed. Remember that a good attorney will be personable and explain complex legal topics so that you can understand them. Take the time to find a good legal professional that you like and will meet your needs.
Author’s Bio: Tarah Mills has always had a passion for writing. Her philosophy is that not only can writing be educational, but it can change the world. While she is dedicated to her work, she still enjoys a good game of basketball, curling up to a good book, and all things Star Wars. She currently resides in the Richmond, Virginia area with her family.
