Why do Americans choose to hire the services of a legal representative? When you are charged with driving under the influence or are struggling to file for a divorce, a legal representative can help you navigate the legal system and achieve a more accurate and fulfilling conclusion. Choosing the right one will go a long way in making sure your problem is properly diagnosed and processed, such as meeting with accident claims lawyers concerning a car crash or business bankruptcy lawyer when you’re considering filing a claim. Below is a simple list of the most common reasons people seek out a legal representative and where you can get started if you are in need of advice.
Bankruptcy Filing
The rates of bankruptcy filings have decreased significantly over the past few decades. The year 1980 saw businesses account for nearly 14% of all bankruptcies, while nowadays they barely reach 3% on average. Individuals compromise the majority of bankruptcy claims and the origins include, but are not limited to, medical debt, student loans, loss of a job and foreclosure. The average Chapter 7 case can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $3,000.
Civil Lawsuits
A civil lawsuit is filed through an individual’s grievance with another individual, small business or company. The annual cost of civil lawsuits in the United States has totaled $240 billion and that number is not thought to decrease any time soon. Depending on the size and scope of the issue, some can be handled in a matter of days while others take months to fully solve. Similar claims include personal injury lawsuits and disability lawsuits.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Around 20% of federal civil personal injury lawsuits result from car crashes. Another 13% originate from product injuries and 10% from medical malpractice, although only 2% of all personal injury tort cases actually go to full trial. The majority are handled outside the courtroom through the skill set of a personal injury legal representative.
Disability Lawsuits
Recent studies have shown that just over one in four of today’s young adults will become disabled before the age of 67, through a variety of factors such as a growing economy and changing standards for disability. Over half of all aged beneficiaries receive have of their income from Social Security and over five million were awarded Social Security benefits in 2014 alone.
Medical Malpractice
Lastly, medical malpractice sees millions of dollars put toward the legal system every year. Studies have shown around 28,000 infants born with a birth injury every single year, at an estimated 76 per day and three per hour. Black and Hispanic populations experience the lowest rates of birth injuries compared to White and Asian-Pacific Islanders, leading by almost 33% in rural areas than urban locations. Those that feel they were the victim of medical malpractice may contact a personal injury attorney or medical lawyer.
Choosing A Legal Representative
A bankruptcy attorney is who you should contact if you’re considering filing a claim, while a car accident attorney should be located for their specific skill set. Not all lawsuits are created the same and each legal representative operates under a specific branch with their own unique specialty. Contacting your local law firm may even yield a free consultation, to better give you an idea of where you stand and what to expect financially. If you are struggling with the legal system, a legal representative is the first step in assisting you and getting your life back on the right track.