Finding the right personal injury lawyer to assist you in your personal injury case can really be overwhelming especially when you don’t have any idea on where to go and who to run to. As we all know, after seeking medical treatment prior to an accident, finding a lawyer is the next step that you have to do when you are involved on any other matter relating to personal injury. There are definitely various ways on how to locate the best personal injury lawyer for your lawsuit.
As with what most people would recommend, one sure way to find a personal injury lawyer is through legal matchmaking services. Through this, you are assured that you’ll be able to get in touch with qualified and experienced lawyers because these services offer only the finest, most credible legal specialists to handle your case. These lawyers are all being screened to meet certain standards in terms of legal qualifications, profile evaluation, and practical experience.
Online legal matchmaking services are also widely used nowadays. What you need to do is just fill-up an online form and submit it. After careful assessment of some online attorneys if they can handle and help you out with your case well, they will then contact you as soon as possible. From there, you can also evaluate the capacity of the lawyer to take charge of your lawsuit through his personal profile before deciding to avail his services.
In addition, you can also visit the sites of these legal matchmaking services if you are having some doubts about how well can they answer your legal demands and concerns. After doing some rigorous research about these law firms and attorneys on personal injury, you can now contact the services with which you were most impressed and fill out their form. You must take note that you have to do it in a little rush because your legal problems can definitely be solved in just a few hours.
These methods in finding a personal injury lawyer have all been tried and tested through the years. Some can be effective for you, others cannot. You can try all of them and see for yourself if which is the best way to locate the perfect attorney for your personal injury case. Please just remember that you have to be careful in doing so because if you’ll commit even a small mistake in choosing your lawyerFree Web Content, you might not get the proper attention and defense that you deserve.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/the-search-for-personal-injury-lawyers.html
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Need for an Auto Accident Lawyer
Generally speaking, an auto accident can definitely be a big headache. In a minor accident, you can just handle your claim on your own. However, after having been involved in a serious auto accident, hiring an auto accident lawyer is the rightmost thing to do. After all, you can expect your lawyer to be your most trusted partner in getting the proper compensation you truly deserve. Remember that without a legal counsel, you might be able to endure the difficulties in the legal process.
As we all know, lots of auto accidents happen every day. And the first few days following the incident are the most important in proving your personal injury claim. Why is this so? It is actually because of the fact that during these days, everything that has happened is still fresh in your mind and you can easily document what has happened, the injuries and damages that you’ve endured, and how it affected you financially and physically.
When you really want to prove your auto accident injury claims, you can also go back to the place where the accident has happened together with your auto accident lawyer. You can then take photos of the scene and note anything that may have contributed to the incident. You might also be able to locate a witness in the crime scene during your visit. I must say that these instances make an auto accident lawyer an unfavorable need in the community.
When you need the services of an auto accident lawyer, to find one is pretty much easy by asking for recommendations. Even if you have no idea about an attorney or legal counsel on auto accidents, your friends or co-workers might have someone to recommend to you. You can also look for one through online referral services just by having a quick search on the Internet. You can also try asking for referrals from a lawyer you know because he definitely knows someone who can help you out in your case.
After having a list of auto accident lawyers, set up a meeting with him. Through this, you will be able to get to know the lawyer and in return, he will also be able to evaluate the possibility of your case for a large compensation. You have to feel comfortable with him during this meeting. If you feel the other way round, then you have to look for another one.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/the-need-for-an-auto-accident-lawyer.html
As we all know, lots of auto accidents happen every day. And the first few days following the incident are the most important in proving your personal injury claim. Why is this so? It is actually because of the fact that during these days, everything that has happened is still fresh in your mind and you can easily document what has happened, the injuries and damages that you’ve endured, and how it affected you financially and physically.
When you really want to prove your auto accident injury claims, you can also go back to the place where the accident has happened together with your auto accident lawyer. You can then take photos of the scene and note anything that may have contributed to the incident. You might also be able to locate a witness in the crime scene during your visit. I must say that these instances make an auto accident lawyer an unfavorable need in the community.
When you need the services of an auto accident lawyer, to find one is pretty much easy by asking for recommendations. Even if you have no idea about an attorney or legal counsel on auto accidents, your friends or co-workers might have someone to recommend to you. You can also look for one through online referral services just by having a quick search on the Internet. You can also try asking for referrals from a lawyer you know because he definitely knows someone who can help you out in your case.
After having a list of auto accident lawyers, set up a meeting with him. Through this, you will be able to get to know the lawyer and in return, he will also be able to evaluate the possibility of your case for a large compensation. You have to feel comfortable with him during this meeting. If you feel the other way round, then you have to look for another one.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/the-need-for-an-auto-accident-lawyer.html
Defense Lawyers, Do You Need One?
Defense lawyers are available to help just about anyone in just about any case. Let’s say that you are being accused of drug crimes. You will need a defense lawyer to help you win your case. Perhaps it is a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps you were helping a friend. Perhaps you know that you did do the crime. In any of these cases you will need a defense lawyer to help you. You need that defense lawyer to sort through the charges, to understand your side, to interpret the meanings of the case. In serious cases like drug crimes, you may find yourself lost in what should be happening and who to trust as your defense lawyer. One way to get a better understanding about what drug crimes are and what defense lawyers do is to look online. Websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com express information about these situations in regards to defense lawyers.
Where will you find a defense lawyer then to handle this drug crimes charge? Who will you trust to do the best they can to help you get out of this situation? Defense lawyers are available in every state. But, when you do not know anyone, should you simply just open the phone book and pick a defense lawyer? You would not feel safe with your choice in a defense lawyer this way. Instead, use websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com to help you find qualified defense lawyers who truly want to help defend you against these charges.
No matter what the situation, whether it is drug crimes or something else, if you are in a situation and need a defense lawyers, you will have to do some research, find a reliable defense lawyer, and do your best to help them win your case. It is hard to say whether or not you have a case or not. Only your defense lawyer will know. But, rest assured that your defense lawyer will tell you how to act, what to sayHealth Fitness Articles, and what to do to get out of your situation. Defense lawyers are invaluable resources in times of need like these.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/defense-lawyers-do-you-need-one.html
Where will you find a defense lawyer then to handle this drug crimes charge? Who will you trust to do the best they can to help you get out of this situation? Defense lawyers are available in every state. But, when you do not know anyone, should you simply just open the phone book and pick a defense lawyer? You would not feel safe with your choice in a defense lawyer this way. Instead, use websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com to help you find qualified defense lawyers who truly want to help defend you against these charges.
No matter what the situation, whether it is drug crimes or something else, if you are in a situation and need a defense lawyers, you will have to do some research, find a reliable defense lawyer, and do your best to help them win your case. It is hard to say whether or not you have a case or not. Only your defense lawyer will know. But, rest assured that your defense lawyer will tell you how to act, what to sayHealth Fitness Articles, and what to do to get out of your situation. Defense lawyers are invaluable resources in times of need like these.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/defense-lawyers-do-you-need-one.html
How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer
Are you unhappy with your relationship? Are you thinking about divorce? Well then, choosing the right lawyer can be one of the most important decisions you make when considering a divorce. According to the article “How to Select a Divorce Lawyer” by Scott Morgan which was posted at www.legalclips.com, selecting a divorce lawyer to handle your family law case is a very important decision. There are a few important criteria to help in finding the right divorce lawyer including focus and experience, past client testimonials, accessibility, fees and comfortability. And here are a few tips on how to get the best divorce lawyer around for your case.
First, set an appointment and prepare your questions beforehand. Ask about everything that is related to your case. Through this, you’ll be able to assess if you have come to the right person and realize if he can handle the case for you. Also, ask about whether you‘ll be copied in on all documents. I believe that it’s very important for a lawyer to return phone calls within a day and to copy a client in on all correspondence including legal letters and documentations. It is your right to be kept fully updated on all the developments of your case.
More so, never think twice to inquire whether you will be charged for phone calls and for the initial consultation. Always keep in mind that a lawyer cannot be able to truthfully determine a legal fee without some preliminary research and investigation. Of course, fees will vary based on the complexity of the case, the time commitment involved, the skill and experience of the lawyer, etc. The payment of the fees, whether partial or full, is being done at the beginning of the case in some cases. In other cases, the lawyer might offer a payment plan.
Indeed, resolving such complicated issue is being made more difficult because of the emotional factors involved and the fact that during the divorce, neither of the parents is really happy. With this, regular communication between you and your attorney is very important. However, bear in mind that your lawyer's job is to give you correct information to help you make difficult decisions, not to tell you what you want to hear. The divorce lawyer will only help you to at least lessen the burden that you experience by winning your divorce case.
After all, the stress that these battles bring to parents can be truly remarkable. PerhapsHealth Fitness Articles, no other phase of life such as this one presents so much psychological pain yet so much opportunity for growth for the persons involved.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/how-to-choose-the-right-divorce-lawyer.html
First, set an appointment and prepare your questions beforehand. Ask about everything that is related to your case. Through this, you’ll be able to assess if you have come to the right person and realize if he can handle the case for you. Also, ask about whether you‘ll be copied in on all documents. I believe that it’s very important for a lawyer to return phone calls within a day and to copy a client in on all correspondence including legal letters and documentations. It is your right to be kept fully updated on all the developments of your case.
More so, never think twice to inquire whether you will be charged for phone calls and for the initial consultation. Always keep in mind that a lawyer cannot be able to truthfully determine a legal fee without some preliminary research and investigation. Of course, fees will vary based on the complexity of the case, the time commitment involved, the skill and experience of the lawyer, etc. The payment of the fees, whether partial or full, is being done at the beginning of the case in some cases. In other cases, the lawyer might offer a payment plan.
Indeed, resolving such complicated issue is being made more difficult because of the emotional factors involved and the fact that during the divorce, neither of the parents is really happy. With this, regular communication between you and your attorney is very important. However, bear in mind that your lawyer's job is to give you correct information to help you make difficult decisions, not to tell you what you want to hear. The divorce lawyer will only help you to at least lessen the burden that you experience by winning your divorce case.
After all, the stress that these battles bring to parents can be truly remarkable. PerhapsHealth Fitness Articles, no other phase of life such as this one presents so much psychological pain yet so much opportunity for growth for the persons involved.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/how-to-choose-the-right-divorce-lawyer.html
Getting the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Whenever you’re in need of a legal specialist for your lawsuit or even just for advice, acquiring one is never hard especially now that we already have the very useful Internet. With it, you must not worry that you’ll be getting a lousy lawyer because of its lawyer locators. These locators search vast databases of lawyer information that will match your lawyer requirements and qualifications. There are also online referral services that can help you find the best attorney for your case.
This feature of the Internet can certainly help you save time and effort. You must not be discouraged by the myriad law firms and independent attorneys who are present everywhere because the web is a more efficient means to locate them. The web offers fast and accurate way of tracking the best attorney for your case. Another thing is the fact that it only searches through records of competent, carefully-screened lawyers with a winning professional background in his area of law and your geographic region, too.
Professional background or the experience of an attorney in handling cases that are similar to your case is very important. Through this, you can make sure that you’ll put up a good fight and that you can expect for justice to be served on you. The geographic region is also a major consideration when choosing a legal specialist for your lawsuit. As we all know, laws vary from state to state. And your lawyer must be proficient enough in the area where the incident, that has lead to your case, has taken place.
When you use the Internet to locate a lawyer, you have to know that your location is also being considered and weighs tremendously in the search results. But this is only second to the lawyer’s capacity to handle your case successfully based on his previous experiences on the same type of case. Among others, the lawyer’s background is the most important thing to consider in hiring one to ensure that you’ll get the best legal assistance possible.
Finally, a good lawyer is someone who can identify the causes and the level of fault of your case. He is also the one that prepares and organizes the necessary documents that will be used in court trials to establish the truth. An advantage on your part is the fact that you don’t have to pay your personal injury attorney unless you win your settlement. But in other areas of the law, a consultation fee is being asked by some lawyers. With thisFree Articles, you have to be very keen in choosing the perfect lawyer to fulfill your legal needs.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/getting-the-right-lawyer-for-your-case.html
This feature of the Internet can certainly help you save time and effort. You must not be discouraged by the myriad law firms and independent attorneys who are present everywhere because the web is a more efficient means to locate them. The web offers fast and accurate way of tracking the best attorney for your case. Another thing is the fact that it only searches through records of competent, carefully-screened lawyers with a winning professional background in his area of law and your geographic region, too.
Professional background or the experience of an attorney in handling cases that are similar to your case is very important. Through this, you can make sure that you’ll put up a good fight and that you can expect for justice to be served on you. The geographic region is also a major consideration when choosing a legal specialist for your lawsuit. As we all know, laws vary from state to state. And your lawyer must be proficient enough in the area where the incident, that has lead to your case, has taken place.
When you use the Internet to locate a lawyer, you have to know that your location is also being considered and weighs tremendously in the search results. But this is only second to the lawyer’s capacity to handle your case successfully based on his previous experiences on the same type of case. Among others, the lawyer’s background is the most important thing to consider in hiring one to ensure that you’ll get the best legal assistance possible.
Finally, a good lawyer is someone who can identify the causes and the level of fault of your case. He is also the one that prepares and organizes the necessary documents that will be used in court trials to establish the truth. An advantage on your part is the fact that you don’t have to pay your personal injury attorney unless you win your settlement. But in other areas of the law, a consultation fee is being asked by some lawyers. With thisFree Articles, you have to be very keen in choosing the perfect lawyer to fulfill your legal needs.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/getting-the-right-lawyer-for-your-case.html
How to Work With Your Lawyer
Candid advice from a lawyer covering topics such as: how to select a lawyer, what to expect from a lawyer, what the lawyer expects of the client, what to bring to the first meeting and what types of fees are available from lawyers.
1.Get organized. Prepare detailed written notes outlining your legal problem or questions. Provide the lawyer all the details, and let he or she decide what is important to your case.
2.Complete and honest disclosure of all facts. It is very important that you provide a complete and honest description of your problem, including information that may be favorable, unfavorable, or embarrassing. Leaving out a minor fact or detail could have a huge negative impact on your case. Only if you fully disclose the facts about your situation can an attorney properly advise you. Remember that there are strict rules that require an attorney to keep your information confidential.
3.Discuss fees. Your attorney will be ready to discuss fees at the first meeting, and you should be ready to do the same. You can and should negotiate fees and discuss payment plans with your attorney. Get your agreement in writing and keep a copy for your file. Most disputes about fees happen because there is no written record of an agreement.
4.Ask a lawyer questions. In order for your attorney to serve you better, you must understand all aspects of your case and the legal process. Understanding the process will help you understand how the lawyer is working and what type of information is needed on your case. But remember, you are paying for your attorney’s time. It is more cost effective to ask several questions at once instead of calling your attorney every time one question comes to mind. You may be charged for each call depending on your fee agreement.
5.Understand what you sign. Before you sign a document, ask your attorney to fully explain to your satisfaction any document. What can be clear and routine to an attorney can be confusing to people without formal legal training.
6.Keep your own records. Ask for copies of all letters and documents prepared on your case. You should also keep the written fee agreement between you and your attorney in the file. You may have to access this information at some point in the future so it is important to maintain records.
7.Legal advice. Give careful and thoughtful consideration to what your attorney advises. The attorney’s judgments are based on legal training and experience. Remember that lawyers cannot work magic. No attorney wins every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be what you want to hear. Your attorney will provide advice that has your best legal interests in mind. The central focus of any case is the facts. Each side will have facts that contribute to the outcome of the case. It is the lawyer’s responsibility to make you aware of the potential outcome of your case based on the facts.
HOW DO I PREPARE AND WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO THE FIRST INTERVIEW?
Plan to go to the first interview with an open mind. You do not have to decide to employ the attorney with whom you are interviewing until you have had time to think about the interview and your experience in communicating with the lawyer.
When you go to your initial consultation, it is important to have with you a written summary, or detailed notes outlining your problem. The notes or summary should include:
1.Names, addresses and phone numbers of all persons or companies involved
2.All documents which are part of your case, including
a.Documents you have received from another attorney
b.Documents you have received from a court
c.Journals
d.Written Correspondence (includes emails)
e.Receipts
f.Contracts
g.Medical bills
h.Repair estimates
i.Checks, etc.
j.Pictures
k.Written notes detailing the history of your situation
The attorney may ask you to deliver written materials in advance of your first interview in order to have adequate time to review them. You may prefer to provide copies rather than originals at the initial interview. Remember that all lawyers are subject to attorney-client privilege and therefore, must maintain any information in strict confidence. Next, prepare a list of questions for the attorney, such as:
1.Are you specialized and/or experienced in my type of problem?
2.Will you or one of your associates be handling my case?
3.Will you regularly contact me about the status of my case?
4.Will I be provided with copies of all important documents, and will there be a charge for those documents?
5.Will I be able to make the final decision on my case?
6.What is your estimate of time needed to complete my case?
7.What is the hourly billable rate?
8.What amount of retainer is required to request your services?
REMEMBER: When you hire an attorney, the attorney will be working for you. He or she should be genuinely interested in your problem and in giving you the best possible advice. The attorney may not be able to accomplish everything you wish because of the facts or the laws that apply in your case. Many times the best advice an attorney can give will be to avoid court action. He or she may suggest other methods to resolve your matter, such as mediation.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF MY ATTORNEY?
Here are a few tips about what to expect from your attorney. Your attorney should:
1.Give you candid, honest advice;
2.Tell you the strong and weak points of your case; this includes potential outcomes based on facts and your instructions on how to proceed
3.Keep you informed and follow your instructions, within the bounds of the law;
4.Protect and defend you to the best of his or her ability and to the fullest extent of the law;
5.While representing you, not represent any other client whose interests conflict with yours;
6.Provide you, if you ask, with copies of all letters and documents involved in your case;
7.Provide an itemized bill of all work done for you and all expenses incurred on your behalf.
WHAT WILL MY ATTORNEY EXPECT OF ME?
The attorney will expect you to:
1.Be prompt for court dates and appointments;
2.Let him or her know how to keep in touch with you. If you have a change of address or phone number or place of employment, let your attorney know; and
3.Be completely honest -- even if it is embarrassing to tell the truth about your problem. Remember, what you tell an attorney in private will be kept confidential. Even confessions to past crimes or criminal activity are going to be treated as confidential by your attorney. Exceptions to this rule of strict confidentiality are plans for future crimes and continuing criminal activity or if the attorney believes that you have or will cause injury to a child. Attorneys are required by law to report suspected child abuse.
4.Not withhold any important information during the conversation that could be potentially damaging to your situation. A common tactic is for the other party to discredit you. Therefore, it is crucial that you fully disclose anything you can think of that could be used against you later on in the proceedings. Understand that even with the weight of the facts on your side, the situation could change if information comes out later that gives the advantage to the other party, because this information was not disclosed earlier to the lawyer.
HOW MUCH WILL THE ATTORNEY CHARGE ME FOR HIS OR HER SERVICES?
The attorney’s fee depends upon many variables, such as amount of time, the difficulty of the work, the skill required, the customary fee in your area for similar work, the experience, reputation and ability of the attorney, and whether the fee is a set amount or contingent on the outcome of the case. Some examples of fee arrangements include: Flat fee: The attorney may quote you a set amount or standard fee that he or she has arrived at for your type of legal problem. An example of a legal problem that could be covered in a flat-fee matter is an uncontested divorce without children or a simple will. In addition, lawyers usually expect you to pay court costs and to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, long distance, postage, courier, or copying expenses. It is important that you find out what any fixed fee covers. Hourly fee: An attorney may prefer to bill you by the hour and collect an initial retainer. Such fees may vary widely depending upon the complexity of the legal work, the skill of the attorney and whether there are time deadlines. If you agree to an hourly arrangement, you and the attorney could include a provision in your contract requiring the attorney not to exceed a specified amount of time or money without obtaining your permission. Insist that you be kept advised every month of the number of hours that the attorney is spending on your problem. You also have the right to ask for a written explanation of what the attorney did during the hours he or she worked on your case. Questions about fees that you may want to ask are:
1.Can you give me an estimate of how much this legal matter will cost?
2.Can we have a written fee agreement that sets forth not only my obligation to pay you, but also exactly what services you will provide?
HOW SHOULD I MAKE MY DECISION TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
Based on your first interview, you should consider the following factors before agreeing to hire an attorney:
1.Could you communicate effectively with the attorney?
2.Was the attorney clear and easy to understand?
3.Are fees reasonable in comparison with other lawyers’ charges?
4.Did the attorney give clear explanations of how he or she will let you know about progress in your case?
5.If you are not satisfied with this attorneyComputer Technology Articles, do not hire him or her. Look elsewhere for legal help.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/how-to-work-with-your-lawyer.html
1.Get organized. Prepare detailed written notes outlining your legal problem or questions. Provide the lawyer all the details, and let he or she decide what is important to your case.
2.Complete and honest disclosure of all facts. It is very important that you provide a complete and honest description of your problem, including information that may be favorable, unfavorable, or embarrassing. Leaving out a minor fact or detail could have a huge negative impact on your case. Only if you fully disclose the facts about your situation can an attorney properly advise you. Remember that there are strict rules that require an attorney to keep your information confidential.
3.Discuss fees. Your attorney will be ready to discuss fees at the first meeting, and you should be ready to do the same. You can and should negotiate fees and discuss payment plans with your attorney. Get your agreement in writing and keep a copy for your file. Most disputes about fees happen because there is no written record of an agreement.
4.Ask a lawyer questions. In order for your attorney to serve you better, you must understand all aspects of your case and the legal process. Understanding the process will help you understand how the lawyer is working and what type of information is needed on your case. But remember, you are paying for your attorney’s time. It is more cost effective to ask several questions at once instead of calling your attorney every time one question comes to mind. You may be charged for each call depending on your fee agreement.
5.Understand what you sign. Before you sign a document, ask your attorney to fully explain to your satisfaction any document. What can be clear and routine to an attorney can be confusing to people without formal legal training.
6.Keep your own records. Ask for copies of all letters and documents prepared on your case. You should also keep the written fee agreement between you and your attorney in the file. You may have to access this information at some point in the future so it is important to maintain records.
7.Legal advice. Give careful and thoughtful consideration to what your attorney advises. The attorney’s judgments are based on legal training and experience. Remember that lawyers cannot work magic. No attorney wins every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be what you want to hear. Your attorney will provide advice that has your best legal interests in mind. The central focus of any case is the facts. Each side will have facts that contribute to the outcome of the case. It is the lawyer’s responsibility to make you aware of the potential outcome of your case based on the facts.
HOW DO I PREPARE AND WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO THE FIRST INTERVIEW?
Plan to go to the first interview with an open mind. You do not have to decide to employ the attorney with whom you are interviewing until you have had time to think about the interview and your experience in communicating with the lawyer.
When you go to your initial consultation, it is important to have with you a written summary, or detailed notes outlining your problem. The notes or summary should include:
1.Names, addresses and phone numbers of all persons or companies involved
2.All documents which are part of your case, including
a.Documents you have received from another attorney
b.Documents you have received from a court
c.Journals
d.Written Correspondence (includes emails)
e.Receipts
f.Contracts
g.Medical bills
h.Repair estimates
i.Checks, etc.
j.Pictures
k.Written notes detailing the history of your situation
The attorney may ask you to deliver written materials in advance of your first interview in order to have adequate time to review them. You may prefer to provide copies rather than originals at the initial interview. Remember that all lawyers are subject to attorney-client privilege and therefore, must maintain any information in strict confidence. Next, prepare a list of questions for the attorney, such as:
1.Are you specialized and/or experienced in my type of problem?
2.Will you or one of your associates be handling my case?
3.Will you regularly contact me about the status of my case?
4.Will I be provided with copies of all important documents, and will there be a charge for those documents?
5.Will I be able to make the final decision on my case?
6.What is your estimate of time needed to complete my case?
7.What is the hourly billable rate?
8.What amount of retainer is required to request your services?
REMEMBER: When you hire an attorney, the attorney will be working for you. He or she should be genuinely interested in your problem and in giving you the best possible advice. The attorney may not be able to accomplish everything you wish because of the facts or the laws that apply in your case. Many times the best advice an attorney can give will be to avoid court action. He or she may suggest other methods to resolve your matter, such as mediation.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF MY ATTORNEY?
Here are a few tips about what to expect from your attorney. Your attorney should:
1.Give you candid, honest advice;
2.Tell you the strong and weak points of your case; this includes potential outcomes based on facts and your instructions on how to proceed
3.Keep you informed and follow your instructions, within the bounds of the law;
4.Protect and defend you to the best of his or her ability and to the fullest extent of the law;
5.While representing you, not represent any other client whose interests conflict with yours;
6.Provide you, if you ask, with copies of all letters and documents involved in your case;
7.Provide an itemized bill of all work done for you and all expenses incurred on your behalf.
WHAT WILL MY ATTORNEY EXPECT OF ME?
The attorney will expect you to:
1.Be prompt for court dates and appointments;
2.Let him or her know how to keep in touch with you. If you have a change of address or phone number or place of employment, let your attorney know; and
3.Be completely honest -- even if it is embarrassing to tell the truth about your problem. Remember, what you tell an attorney in private will be kept confidential. Even confessions to past crimes or criminal activity are going to be treated as confidential by your attorney. Exceptions to this rule of strict confidentiality are plans for future crimes and continuing criminal activity or if the attorney believes that you have or will cause injury to a child. Attorneys are required by law to report suspected child abuse.
4.Not withhold any important information during the conversation that could be potentially damaging to your situation. A common tactic is for the other party to discredit you. Therefore, it is crucial that you fully disclose anything you can think of that could be used against you later on in the proceedings. Understand that even with the weight of the facts on your side, the situation could change if information comes out later that gives the advantage to the other party, because this information was not disclosed earlier to the lawyer.
HOW MUCH WILL THE ATTORNEY CHARGE ME FOR HIS OR HER SERVICES?
The attorney’s fee depends upon many variables, such as amount of time, the difficulty of the work, the skill required, the customary fee in your area for similar work, the experience, reputation and ability of the attorney, and whether the fee is a set amount or contingent on the outcome of the case. Some examples of fee arrangements include: Flat fee: The attorney may quote you a set amount or standard fee that he or she has arrived at for your type of legal problem. An example of a legal problem that could be covered in a flat-fee matter is an uncontested divorce without children or a simple will. In addition, lawyers usually expect you to pay court costs and to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, long distance, postage, courier, or copying expenses. It is important that you find out what any fixed fee covers. Hourly fee: An attorney may prefer to bill you by the hour and collect an initial retainer. Such fees may vary widely depending upon the complexity of the legal work, the skill of the attorney and whether there are time deadlines. If you agree to an hourly arrangement, you and the attorney could include a provision in your contract requiring the attorney not to exceed a specified amount of time or money without obtaining your permission. Insist that you be kept advised every month of the number of hours that the attorney is spending on your problem. You also have the right to ask for a written explanation of what the attorney did during the hours he or she worked on your case. Questions about fees that you may want to ask are:
1.Can you give me an estimate of how much this legal matter will cost?
2.Can we have a written fee agreement that sets forth not only my obligation to pay you, but also exactly what services you will provide?
HOW SHOULD I MAKE MY DECISION TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
Based on your first interview, you should consider the following factors before agreeing to hire an attorney:
1.Could you communicate effectively with the attorney?
2.Was the attorney clear and easy to understand?
3.Are fees reasonable in comparison with other lawyers’ charges?
4.Did the attorney give clear explanations of how he or she will let you know about progress in your case?
5.If you are not satisfied with this attorneyComputer Technology Articles, do not hire him or her. Look elsewhere for legal help.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/law/how-to-work-with-your-lawyer.html
Thursday, October 11, 2007
OxyContin Addiction: Doctors & Drug Lords
OxyContin is a narcotic drug, an opiate, that has been approved by the FDA to legally treat chronic pain. Chronic pain is documented medical condition, a progressive disease of the nervous system and spine that causes constant a patient to experience constant, excruciating pain. Chronic pain is caused by the failure of the body’s internal pain control systems and is accompanied by changes of the chemical and anatomical makeup of the spinal cord. Left untreated, the condition will spread to unaffected areas. A patient suffering from chronic pain does not produce enough natural opiates, so a pharmaceutical opiate like OxyContin is an effective treatment for the disease.
Unfortunately, drug addicts have abused the medical system and obtained prescriptions of OxyContin in order to feed narcotic habits rather than treat medical conditions. Like any narcotic, OxyContin can be highly addictive and overdosing can be fatal. Illicit prescriptions of OxyContin are both sold and abused on the black market. This situation creates a problem for governmental drug regulating agencies that are trying to take a hard line on drug abuse.
Recently, the government has been cracking down harder on drugs and drug abuse, and this does not mean simply going after the users and abusers of pharmaceutical drugs. The government has been targeting the doctors who prescribe these drugs to patients who then abuse them. The problem here is that it is difficult for doctors to know how their prescriptions are actually applied, and a doctor cannot immediately revoke the prescription of a suspected abuser because withdrawal symptoms cause are equivalent to the pain of torture, and can be fatal. Thus doctors who prescribe OxyContin to patients with chronic pain, and remember the condition will progressively and permanently worsen without this treatment, have been convicted of drug trafficking, had medical licenses revoked, and been sent to prison.
Who the real victim is depends entirely on the circumstances of the individual case. Certainly innocent doctors have been punished for prescribing appropriate drugs to pained patients, but in other instances OxyContin has been prescribed irresponsibly, causing addiction, overdose, death, and contributing to the black market exchange of drugs. If you are on either side of this line and are concerned about the use or prescription of OxyContin, please consult a lawyer immediately and protect your interests.
http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/oxycontin-lawyer.htm
Unfortunately, drug addicts have abused the medical system and obtained prescriptions of OxyContin in order to feed narcotic habits rather than treat medical conditions. Like any narcotic, OxyContin can be highly addictive and overdosing can be fatal. Illicit prescriptions of OxyContin are both sold and abused on the black market. This situation creates a problem for governmental drug regulating agencies that are trying to take a hard line on drug abuse.
Recently, the government has been cracking down harder on drugs and drug abuse, and this does not mean simply going after the users and abusers of pharmaceutical drugs. The government has been targeting the doctors who prescribe these drugs to patients who then abuse them. The problem here is that it is difficult for doctors to know how their prescriptions are actually applied, and a doctor cannot immediately revoke the prescription of a suspected abuser because withdrawal symptoms cause are equivalent to the pain of torture, and can be fatal. Thus doctors who prescribe OxyContin to patients with chronic pain, and remember the condition will progressively and permanently worsen without this treatment, have been convicted of drug trafficking, had medical licenses revoked, and been sent to prison.
Who the real victim is depends entirely on the circumstances of the individual case. Certainly innocent doctors have been punished for prescribing appropriate drugs to pained patients, but in other instances OxyContin has been prescribed irresponsibly, causing addiction, overdose, death, and contributing to the black market exchange of drugs. If you are on either side of this line and are concerned about the use or prescription of OxyContin, please consult a lawyer immediately and protect your interests.
http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/oxycontin-lawyer.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)