What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Personal injury lawyers handle a case from inception through appeal and perform tasks similar to most litigators.

Typical tasks include investigating claims; screening potential clients and evaluating the merits of their case; gathering evidence; formulating legal theories; researching case law; drafting pleadings, motions and discovery; interviewing and deposing witnesses; preparing for trial; advocating at trial; and counseling clients.

Personal injury lawyers often juggle large case loads, tight deadlines and demanding clients. However, many lawyers find the most rewarding aspect of personal injury practice is helping injured victims and their families seek justice through the legal system.

Since many personal injury lawsuits are extremely complex, personal injury lawyers may specialize in certain niche types of cases. For example, personal injury attorneys who handle medical malpractice may specialize in breach births; personal injury attorneys who routinely litigate motor vehicle accidents may specialize in ATV rollover accidents.

Education

Personal injury lawyers pursue the same path of training and education as every lawyer; they must earn a law degree and pass a written bar examination. Personal injury attorneys can also become certified as a specialist in civil trial advocacy by completing a specialty certification program accredited by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, a non-profit organization accredited by the American Bar Association to provide board certification for attorneys.