Why Catastrophic Injury Cases Require Experienced Injury Attorneys

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The average lawyer takes six or seven years to earn their qualification. Once they’ve graduated, they must also tackle the bar exam, which could take years. Still, theoretical studies can only teach you so much. The experience of fighting in court provides more training than any university will ever manage to deliver. That’s why choosing an injury attorney with years of practice behind them is crucial.

What Makes Catastrophic Injuries Different?

Catastrophic injury cases have high stakes. Their damages are usually severe, so the plaintiff and the defendant have much to lose if the trial doesn’t go their way. Defendants are also less likely to admit fault when compensation amounts skyrocket, so the convenient early settlement you’re hoping for is far less likely.

To complicate these cases further, catastrophic injuries often come with trauma and other severe emotional impacts. These are abstract forms of harm, but a knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorney will make easy work of them. They will have argued such cases hundreds or thousands of times, so they will know how to clarify them for a jury.

Severe injuries can cost businesses more than just money. They’re often splashed all over the media, causing irreparable harm to even the most established brands. Defendants will thus invest a fortune in their lawyers. If your attorney can’t match up to the industry’s best, your odds of succeeding will diminish irrevocably. You must bring skill and experience that’s equal to, or better than, those of your rival.

How Much is Enough?

The effectiveness of your lawyer rides on their skill, years of experience, and area of expertise. That doesn’t tell the whole story, though. Your divorce attorney might have 20 years of experience, but it won’t prepare them for a complicated personal injury case. This field is complex and requires a vast berth of knowledge, so look for a personal injury specialist with at least three years of working experience. If your auto accident or severe bicycle accident injuries fall into a niche area of a tort, you’ll get even better results by seeking a niche-specific specialized attorney.

What Can Experience Offer?

An experienced lawyer brings several vital skills to the table:

  1. Research Skill

Researching negligence is no easy task, and investigating a catastrophic injury is even more complicated. Your attorney must collect healthcare costs, lost income, insurance data, and other evidence demonstrating liability. The plaintiff must prove direct causation while negating any contributing factors the defendant will likely bring up. Pre-existing conditions can create needless complexity, leaving you open to blame. Research skills are developed over years of professional experience. They’re challenging to teach and can take a lifetime to master.

  1. Expert Testimony

Experts willing to appear in court are far from common, but your attorney will need them to support your case. This is particularly important if you need to establish damages that are likely in the future. An experienced professional will know which medical experts can support your case best. If your attorney has been practicing for many years, they’ll have a long list of regular experts to call on.

  1. Knowledge of the Law

Catastrophic injury cases often involve shared liability and insurance companies. Insurers are particularly resistant to paying compensation. They’re formidable rivals to battle in court and are unlikely to settle. It takes comprehensive legal knowledge to best them in a lawsuit, which can only be gained through years of hard, practical work.

  1. Strategic Expertise

A tort can often feel like a chess game, and, as in the board game, one mistake can lead to a catastrophic loss. Every personal injury case requires a bespoke, intelligent strategy designed uniquely for each plaintiff.  An established lawyer will identify all the laws and statutes involved in your case. They’ll assess your damages thoroughly and craft a powerful negotiation strategy.

Concluding Thoughts

Catastrophic injury cases can destroy businesses overnight, so defendants choose the finest legal minds in the business. If the plaintiff cannot equal their skill, a loss is more than just unlikely. It’s probable, so always choose the most experienced attorney you can find for catastrophic injury cases.

 

Jeff Campbell
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