What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for My Case?

If you think you might have a valid case for a lawsuit, the next step is to hire an attorney. But soon after you begin your search, you may find it more complicated than expected. With so many types of attorneys in Richmond, Virginia alone, covering so many different practice areas, it can be hard to answer the question, “What kind of lawyer do I need?”

In criminal cases, this is fairly straightforward. You have a prosecuting attorney and a criminal defense attorney. In this blog, we’ll discuss legal services within civil litigation and civil law attorneys. 

The Different Legal Specialties

There are as many different types of lawyers as there are specialties. So let’s start by addressing the question, "What kinds of lawyers are there?" Some attorneys will focus on several practice areas and fields of law within which they have the expertise and feel confident making a case. 

However, most lawyers will have certain areas where they excel. It’s always a good idea to find an attorney that specializes in the area relevant to your case. Different legal specialties include:

Civil Rights Attorney

Civil rights attorneys handle cases surrounding discrimination or other threats to the civil rights of marginalized individuals or groups. If you were denied a job or fired from a job based on discrimination, for instance, a civil rights attorney — particularly an employment lawyer — could make a case for you. If your freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, religion, due process, or your right to petition the government are infringed upon, you would also turn to a civil rights attorney. 

Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that employers provide if an employee is injured on the job. But not all workers’ compensation claims go smoothly. If the insurance company pushes back against your claim or refuses to pay, a workers’ compensation attorney can help. Your attorney can handle negotiations with insurance adjusters so that your words aren’t turned against you for the insurance company's benefit. 

A worker's compensation attorney can gather evidence by gaining statements from witnesses, obtaining medical records, or researching precedents that may help your case. They aim to ensure you get the money you’re entitled to from the insurance company.

Car Accident Lawyers

In a car accident, there is almost always some driver at fault. After an accident, you will likely exchange insurance information with the other driver and file an insurance claim. Car accident lawyers can help ensure the settlement agreement goes smoothly and in your favor. A car accident lawyer can take the case to court if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement amount.

In Virginia, the legal process for personal injury is judged on a contributory negligence basis. A car accident lawyer is not the only type of personal injury lawyer. Medical malpractice is also a fairly common specialty for a personal injury attorney, coming up often with car accidents. You cannot collect damages if you are found to be responsible for the accident. However, your attorney will fight skillfully for your right to compensation, no matter what the insurance adjusters throw at them.

Prisoners’ Rights Lawyers

Just because you’ve made a mistake at some point in your life does not mean you forfeit any rights. Detainees and inmates in both county jail and state prison have a right to adequate medical care, and the following:

• Adequate housing, medical care, nutrition, and hygiene
• Freedom from cruel and unusual punishments

Consumer Law Attorney

In the state of our current economy, consumers can often feel as though they are considered just a number and not a human when interacting with businesses. Consumer law attorneys help remind businesses that consumers are living, breathing people. Consumer law attorneys cover a broad range of cases dealing with interactions between consumers and businesses, from false advertising to unsafe, defective product cases. If you are being harassed by debt collectors or having issues with your student loans, a consumer law attorney can help you navigate them and protect your rights.

Sometimes, a consumer law attorney may find multiple consumers facing similar situations with the same business to bring together a class action lawsuit. These can happen in the event of a mass issue with unsafe products or false/deceptive advertising.

Business Litigation Attorney

On the other hand, a business litigation attorney represents business entities through litigations or legal issues that might arise. A business attorney can help with intellectual property, contract disputes, business torts, or employment litigation. Your business litigation attorneys can also offer assistance with protecting your intellectual property or drafting a legal document like a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). 

These are just a few specialties you can find. Whether you’re looking for one of these types of lawyers, a family law attorney, or someone to address a legal matter of medical malpractice or some other common type of law, there is an attorney for you. The important thing is to find an attorney who is certified and qualified in the specialization that best suits your case.

Looking For a Qualified and Certified Attorney?

Your first step in resolving any legal issue is finding the right attorney. Commonwealth Law Group provides experienced and certified attorneys specializing in personal injury (including car accidents), prisoners’ rights, and worker's compensation. They also offer a free consultation to discuss your case and whether their legal team is the right choice for you. Contact their firm today to learn more.