If you or your loved one has been injured and you want to sue, you are going to need a personal injury lawyer. They specialize in civil cases where someone has been hurt and wants to pursue damages. In these cases, the injury can be physical, psychological, or both, and the case alleges lack of care or negligence.
The lawyer-client relationship is significant in personal injury cases, where your life is under scrutiny. However, most people perceive this relationship as a grey area. It is crucial to your peace of mind and the success of your case to understand your privileges when it comes to the relationship between you and your personal injury attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Let’s explore what you need to know.
Conflict of Interest
This hurdle is the first one your personal injury lawyer has to clear. Conflicts of interest occur when an attorney has a personal interest in the result of a case. They might have direct involvement, the defendant may be a friend or relative, or they have legal or financial ties to a company being sued. For example, in motor vehicle accident-related cases, you would want to avoid hiring an attorney who works for insurance companies.
A lawyer might provide a different level of service than they would otherwise if they have an interest in the case’s outcome. This matter is why the law requires them not to proceed with the case if they discover a conflict of interest. Although it is more common early in the process, finding these issues may occur at any stage during the case.
Attorney-Client Privilege
At first, discussing sensitive information with a personal injury lawyer can seem stressful. However, you can rest assured that communication between you and your attorney is confidential. You may speak candidly to your lawyer, disclosing every relevant detail about your case and promoting a setting of privacy.
Nonetheless, lawyer-client privilege is not absolute, and rules must be followed. Communication must be related to the case and between the client and their attorney with the intent of confidentiality.
Suppose you discuss in a public place where anyone might overhear the conversation. In that case, you can’t expect to be covered by the attorney-client privilege. This privilege also won’t cover discussions where any intent to commit a crime or fraud is disclosed.
When Attorney-Client Privilege Starts
The moment you seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney, your privileged relationship with them begins regardless of whether you hire them. This privilege of privacy continues even after a client’s death.
Client Responsibilities
In personal injury law, the lawyer-client relationship is designed to protect clients and ensure they receive the best legal representation possible. However, to secure the success of their case, clients also have various duties, including:
- Give as much evidence as possible, such as photographs, correspondence, and documentation. This way, you and your attorney ensure that the facts from the time of the event are presented accurately.
- Be honest with your lawyer, as they need to know the facts of the case. Telling your lawyer the whole truth will help them build a better case on your behalf.
- Treat your attorney and their team with respect. The process of personal injury law can be frustrating and long, but remember that you are all on the same side.
- Respect your lawyer’s time. You must attend and be punctual to meetings and legal proceedings during your case. If you can’t participate in one, let your attorney know so they can check if rescheduling is possible.
- Keep your lawyer updated about any changes. It’s essential to communicate immediately if new evidence comes to light or your medical condition changes.
All these things help your personal injury attorney provide the best service and advice. The process will be smoother when you work together and maintain an excellent professional relationship.
Choosing the Right Law Firm
Your personal injury legal representative should be compassionate and experienced and understand how your accident affected your life and livelihood. The right lawyer-client relationship could be critical to your case’s success, so take the time to find the best fit. Review their credentials and track record, getting as much detail as possible to make an informed decision.
When you’ve found a dependable personal injury attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who makes you feel comfortable, you’ll know you can put your claim in his capable hands. Remember, it’s your lawyer’s duty to protect you and your right to get the best protection you can find.
