In 2020 alone, there were almost one million jobs for lawyers in the US. This means that choosing this career path could be a wise decision for you. Now, there are many types of lawyers, and being a personal injury lawyer can be one of the more fulfilling ones peronsal injury lawyers in Bunbury, Western Australia.
Defending people and getting them justice can be a rewarding experience for both you and your clients. That said, if you are thinking about becoming a personal injury lawyer, there are some important things you need to know. Here we explain five things you need to know to become a personal injury lawyer.
You’ll Need to Attend Law School
To become a personal injury lawyer, you generally must attend an American Bar Association-approved law school and graduate with a Juris Doctor. Typically, four years of undergraduate education is also required for admission into a JD program. However, some schools offer combined programs that last five or six years and include both bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees.
After graduating from law school, you must pass a state-level bar exam. The National Conference of Bar Examiners provides detailed information on each state’s specific requirements for bar admission. They include links to resources about the application process and passing the bar exam.
Who Will Be Your Clients?
Personal injury cases typically involve individuals who have been injured by someone else’s carelessness or negligence. Your clients could include anyone from an individual hit by a car while crossing the street to someone injured on an amusement park ride.
It could be a person injured in a slip-and-fall accident, someone who is hurt at work, or someone who is hurt by a defective product. You may also handle cases on behalf of families that have lost loved ones because of another’s negligence.
What Will You Need to Win Cases?
To win your personal injury cases, you’ll typically need evidence showing liability and damages. Damages can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, or mental anguish. It could be physical impairment or disfigurement and lost wages if the plaintiff cannot work while recovering from his or her injuries.
You’ll also have to factor in future lost wages if the injury causes long-term disability preventing a return to work. If you decide to venture into health care, you’ll use medical cost projection to calculate the medical costs. If your client’s injuries included the loss of a loved one who was killed by a negligent act, you would also need to establish evidence surrounding the wrongful death claim.
How Much Will You Earn as a Personal Injury Lawyer?
As with most client-based practice areas, personal injury law involves some uncertainty. It can be difficult to determine exactly how many cases you’ll handle from start to finish.
Also, to determine what those cases will ultimately yield in terms of a settlement or court award. Your caseload may be substantial and include significant claims over a period of time.
Still, you could expect to bring home an average annual salary ranging from $70,885 up to $96,185 or more per year. The ultimate compensation for each case varies. It highly depends on the circumstances involved and the jurisdiction where the case was filed.
What About Employment Options?
If you want to become a personal injury lawyer, one option is to join an established firm or group practice. You can also establish your own solo-practice law office and be your own boss, and eventually grow a firm.
Alternatively, you could work as in-house counsel for a litigation company. You could also work in a law school clinic and other organizations that handle personal injury cases.
Becoming a Personal Injury Lawyer
Becoming a lawyer and practicing personal injury law is complex and challenging. However, if you are passionate about helping injured victims receive the compensation they deserve, then this may be the perfect practice area for you. By knowing what to expect before you start, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to be a great personal injury lawyer.
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