how an attorney changed the outcome of my lawsuit

Posted on: 8 April 2015

If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, you may have decided to retain a personal injury attorney to assist you in collecting damages. While 95% of personal injury cases are settled before going to trial, you must be prepared to go to court if necessary.

Your attorney will be well-prepared to represent you in court, but you will also have a part to play in the proceedings, and being familiar with the process ahead of time could make all the difference in how your case is resolved. Here are some key points to keep in mind about trials.

1.  Know how to keep your cool and be ready to be interrogated. You will be called to testify and answer questions about your case, and the defense attorney will be asking for details about your claim.

• Know the facts inside and out and practice with your attorney, who will be able to predict most of the questions.
• Don't get flustered; take your time and choose your words carefully.
• Answer only what is asked, no more, no less.
• If you realize you misspoke when answering a previous question, speak up and set the record straight as soon as possible.

2.  Know that your personal records could be used in court. Personal financial records such as tax returns and bank accounts will be part of the record and you may be questioned about them in open court. Employment records and medical records, even those from several years ago, will be entered into evidence. If the judge rules that any of these documents are pertinent to your case, you cannot prevent them from being made public, so prepare yourself ahead of time.

3.  Know that trials can take a long time. Trials do not flow smoothly from beginning to end; they are more like an obstacle course with hearings, motions, pleadings, and continuances, all working to stretch court cases from months to years.

4.  Know that everything you do from the time of the injury to the present will be scrutinized and investigated. The other side could hire someone to follow you around and take photos of you, trying to catch you doing something that you claimed you are unable to do as a result of your alleged injury.

It's no coincidence that the word "trial" is another word for "ordeal", but with the help and expertise of a personal injury lawyer like Salerno Terrence Law Office by your side, going to court will be well worth the time and trouble. You are entitled to be fairly compensated for the injury or illness caused by the defendants, and court can be a vindication for the harm done to you.