If the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, government agency, company or any other entity has caused you or your loved ones a physical or psychological injury, it is your right to make a claim for damages. In case your loved one is dead because of the injury, it becomes even more important that you get the guilty party to accept their mistake and make compensation in form of money. While no amount of money can be considered adequate for your loss, think of it as a compromise, one that would help you and others affected by the loss with some consolation. This is where a personal injury lawyer such as Mississippi injury attorneys can be helpful.

There are various types of cases that fall under tort law; these include automobile accident, injury at workplace, damage to a person’s property, defamation, medical mistakes, defective products and various other civil wrongs. Mostly, cases pertaining to tort law are settled outside of court, though in a few instances, they may go to trial. This is especially true when the second party refuses to take responsibility for the wrongdoing or damages caused. A personal injury lawyer may be replaced by a criminal persecutor in such situations.

Becoming A Certified Personal Injury Lawyer In The US

Becoming a personal injury lawyer is an excellent choice in the US. Unfortunately, accidents, injuries, wrongdoings, etc., are something that occur every day. Most of these situations end up in a fight for claims, which is why lawyers having expertise in this particular area are readily sought. In order to practice law in the US, you must get admission in an accredited law school and complete a 4-year college as well as a law degree. Once you have graduated from there, you need to clear the written bar examination. In certain cases, you may be required to sit for the written ethics examination as well.

Aside from the state bar exam and depending on the state you are residing in, you may be required to take Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) in order to continue on your path to becoming a personal injury lawyer.

After you have cleared the aforementioned examinations, you will be required to take and complete a few continuing legal education (CLE) courses. These courses will help you remain up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of practice and groom your skills as a lawyer even further.

Once you have completed the necessary CLE hours, you need to enroll in the specialty certification program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to become specialized in personal injury. The use and acquisition of the “specialist” status varies from state to state. The certification acquired through completion of specialty certification program accredited by ABA is recognized in most states.

Basic Responsibilities of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you are a personal injury lawyer yourself, or you are hiring the services of one, it is important to be aware of the basic responsibilities that this specific type of lawyer has toward their clients.

The state bar associations have established certain professional as well as ethical rules, along with codes of conduct. After getting the license to practice law, personal injury lawyers gain legal permission to file legal complaints, represent clients in state courts and offer legal advice to clients who claim to have suffered personal injury. Additionally, they can also draft legal documents, which are crucial in such matters.

When approached by a client seeking a claim, a personal injury lawyer begins by asking a few questions in order to understand the case and determine how strong it is. It is through this preliminary interview that the lawyer identifies issues and factors that can be utilized to make the case stronger through solid argument. The intended motivation for this is to help their clients obtain justice through adequate compensation for their injury or loss. It is the chief responsibility of the lawyer to protect its client’s interests in whatever way possible, even if it means taking the matter to the trial court. Confidentiality and loyalty are an integral part of the relationship.

There is hardly any tolerance for violation of standards of ethics and codes of conduct established by the state bar associations in the field of law. If personal injury lawyers fail to act in the best interests of their clients or to uphold confidentiality and loyalty, then their respective state bar may take a disciplinary action against them. The professional and ethical regulations may be revised from time to time, which is why it is imperative for the lawyer to remain updated with the latest developments.