When you file a personal injury claim, it’s usually because you’ve been the victim of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. In most cases, that wanton action on the part of another person has left you physically, emotionally, or financially injured. A personal injury claim is your best way to recoup some of the damage done, but personal injury law is complex and requires the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney in East Texas.
In fact, in many states such as Texas, you have the option of selecting a board-certified attorney to represent you in your personal injury claim. Selecting a board-certified personal injury attorney ensures that the attorney has extensive, demonstrated experience and skill in navigating personal injury law. By hiring a board-certified personal injury attorney, you know your case will be in the hands of capable legal counsel. Keep reading to learn more reasons why you should choose a board-certified personal injury attorney to represent you.
You’ll Get a Specialist
When you search for an attorney, you never know exactly what you are going to get. An attorney who is licensed to practice law can practice any type of law in the state in which he or she is licensed. When it comes to personal injury law, however, it’s smart to hire an attorney who has a more focused approach to your case and who has extensive experience in the personal injury law specialty. Board-certification goes well beyond simple licensure. To become board-certified in personal injury law, an attorney must have measured experience and a positive record in negotiating and trying personal injury suits. In fact, in the state of Texas, an attorney must be board-certified to claim specialty in any discipline of law. Think of it this way. If you were told you needed to have brain surgery, you wouldn’t necessarily have the procedure performed by your trusty general practitioner. Instead, you’d prefer to hire a brain surgeon who specializes in such procedures. The same holds true with the law, and board certification provides evidence of an attorney’s personal injury law knowledge and experience.
They’re Thoroughly Vetted
Anyone who can pass the bar in his or her state can practice law. However, only attorneys who have been board-certified had their records and skills thoroughly vetted by the highest legal authorities in the state of Texas. To become a board-certified attorney in Texas, an attorney must not only have his or her skills and experience confirmed by the state bar, but also by the Texas Supreme Court. That means not only has the highest legal court in the state affirmed the attorney’s credentials but can also vouch for the attorney’s ethics and professionalism. Also, board certification requires that an attorney has at least five years of experience overall, with 25 percent of that time spent in the area of specialty. Attorneys must have significant trial experience, must pass an extensive written test dealing with the area of specialty, and they must pass peer review.
Their Knowledge Is Current
Some attorneys may not seek further education in the field of law once passing the bar and being licensed to practice. However, board-certified personal injury attorneys must keep their knowledge fresh to retain board certification. Board certification comes with a term of five years. When that term expires, an attorney’s qualifications must again be examined to ensure they continue to meet the standards for specialization. Board-certified attorneys must also complete a continuing education curriculum. That means a board-certified attorney must stay abreast of legal developments and be perpetually polished for legal practice.
Won’t Cost You Any More
You may think that hiring a board-certified attorney will cost you more based on the rigors a lawyer must endure to gain certification. However, that’s not the case. In the field of personal injury law, it won’t cost you more to hire a board-certified attorney, especially since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee arrangement which requires no upfront payment.
There are many reasons that you should consider hiring a board-certified injury attorney in East Texas if you plan to file an injury claim. You’ll get a seasoned legal professional with verified credentials who can provide you with the counsel you need as you navigate the legal system. To learn more reasons that it’s wise to hire a board-certified personal injury attorney, contact Jon L. Anderson Law Office at (936) 634-1414.