Lawyers have a bad reputation for being “ambulance chasers” and many don’t hold lawyers as being positive for the community. Lawyers are very beneficial for many people and there are situations in which you should have a lawyer. Here are the top situations you should seek out legal counsel.
Work Site Injury
When you are hurt at work, many companies would prefer to settle the situation as quickly as possible. For someone who is unaware of their legal rights, this can be a bad idea. The company is looking out for their best interest, not yours. Hiring a lawyer, such as an experienced construction accident attorney NYC, can make sure that your rights are respected and get the best possible outcome to help you in the long run. If you are ever harmed at work, talk to a lawyer before you agree to anything to be sure that you won’t lose out.
Criminal Charges
Representing yourself for a speeding ticket is one thing, representing yourself for a drug charge or a violent situation is entirely different. Not only can a lawyer help you lower the charges, they can often help you avoid jail time or minimize fines. Many lawyers also know how to get some charges expunged so that you won’t struggle to get a job or can continue working in certain professions.
Dealing With A Divorce
Very few divorces are cut and dried. If you have children, a lot of assets to divide, or a spouse that is uncooperative, a lawyer can be your best friend. Their job is to be sure that none of your rights are trampled and the legalities around custody and assets can be overwhelming and confusing. When hiring a divorce lawyer, it’s not about “winning”, it’s about a fair split between two persons. Make sure that when interviewing a lawyer, that you feel good about their process. You don’t want to make the mistake of hiring the wrong lawyer!
Handling Estate Affairs
When someone passes on, there is often a distribution of assets to family. In many cases, it’s as easy as the children of the deceased gathering and dividing assets amongst themselves. Especially if there isn’t much to distribute. In some cases, there are more complex issues to deal with such as taxes or siblings who don’t get along well. A probate lawyer is very helpful in those situations to be sure that taxes are paid and assets are distributed according to a will or fairly amongst remaining family.
Personal Injury
If you have been in a serious automobile accident or have been harmed on someone else’s property, a personal injury lawyer will be a huge asset to you. These sorts of accidents can put you into serious financial stress due to loss of income and medical bills. The other person isn’t going to necessarily take care of your needs despite having caused you the harm. A personal injury lawyer knows the laws and can get you the outcome you deserve to get back on your feet.
The easiest rule of thumb to remember is that if you stand to lose serious amounts of money, your opponent has a lawyer, or you feel like you are in over your head, it is time to seek legal counsel to help you. They truly can help you in all the best ways.