The legal field is vast and diverse, offering attorneys who specialize in every area of law. While this means you can find an attorney with experience in handling any type of legal matter, it doesn’t mean you always have to hire an attorney. Sometimes, you just need a single consultation to get some basic insight into your situation. Other times, such as in those examples listed below, you’ll need more intensive legal assistance.
You Suffered an Accidental Injury
There are instances in which you may be injured in an accident that was not the result of negligence. In that situation, you’ll have no legal recourse for recovering financial compensation for the injuries you suffered. However, you may not know enough about personal injury law to make that determination for yourself. This is why it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney experienced in injury law anytime you have been injured in an accident. The attorney will be better able to determine if a third party was negligent and can be held liable for your injuries.
It’s especially important to consult an attorney experienced in handling L&I Washington claims if you have been injured at work. While you may not think you need help to file a worker’s compensation claim, a minor mistake can result in a denial of benefits. Additionally, you may not have the familiarity with relevant laws that an attorney possesses. This knowledge gives an attorney a better edge in negotiating with the insurance company is seeking a fair claim settlement amount. In many cases, a lawyer can help you get a fairer settlement.
You’re Getting Divorced
While every situation is different, divorce is generally a complex and messy matter to settle. When you participate in a traditional divorce hearing in family court, there’s an adversarial nature to the process that can further complicate matters. If you arrive in court without an attorney, your spouse may have an unfair advantage. Their attorney will know what issues matter under the law, but you may not understand everything involved in this process. This can leave you with an unfair settlement that forces you to lose more assets or pay more in support than necessary. Hiring your attorney can protect you in this way.
If you have minor children, it becomes even more important for you to hire a lawyer of your own. A family law attorney is essential in helping you protect your parenting rights since the goal of your spouse will be to try to prove you’re a bad parent. Once you lose your parental rights or custody rights, it becomes very difficult to get them back. Your lawyer can help you understand the importance of acting civilly with your spouse, showing up on time for visitations with your children, and documenting any support payments you make to your spouse. In addition to establishing your positive role as a parent, an experienced family law attorney can use these factors to prove why you should maintain partial custody of your children.
You Think You Might Be Charged With a Crime
Most people know that they have the right to an attorney when being charged with a crime, but they still delay consulting an attorney until it’s too late. If you think you’re suspected of committing a crime, or if you have committed a crime that you know will soon be uncovered by the police, you should talk with a lawyer. In particular, seek out the expertise of a criminal defense attorney who has experience in handling your type of case. This will ensure your lawyer has the knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best possible defense.
Consulting an attorney earlier will help you in every stage of the process. You’ll know what to do and say from the moment of your arrest. Additionally, you can arrange for bail to be paid on behalf of yourself in advance to eliminate unnecessary delays. When it comes time to appear in court, your attorney will already be familiar with the facts of your case and the type of defense you will pursue. This can make it easier for them to help you get a dismissal, acquittal, or lesser sentence.
If you think you may need to hire an attorney, scheduling a consultation with a law firm can help you decide on a course of action. An initial consultation will provide you with insight into the strength of your case. It will also allow you to evaluate the skills of the attorney. In this way, an initial consultation can provide you with the information you need to make a more informed decision.