By David Peel
After over a quarter century of helping the families of injured or killed victims, I have noticed that there are three unspoken questions that most of them have.
They don’t actually ask them, but if you listen with your heart, as well as your head, you can hear them.
Number one, they will say “I’ve never done anything like this before” or “I’ve never dealt with a lawyer before”. Underlying question: “Is this really okay?”
It includes “Can I trust this process?” “Can I trust you to do things that I don’t fully understand?”
Number two they will say things such as, “is this a big enough case for you?” “Do you think this is worth your time?” “Do you think I have a case?” These concerns make it clear their question is “is this worth it?”
And finally, number three, they will ask “what all is needed from them?” The underlying question is “what more will they have to go through than what they’ve already been through?” In the end, “will this case be a burden in my life or will you help me bear a burden in my life?”
These three questions are almost never asked in a literal way. But I try to make sure they’re answered whether or not they are asked.
I think one of the services that an honest lawyer can provide is to assess the situation initially, and explain compassionately if there is no case and why.
Educating the potential client empowers that client to better understand what concerns they should be having.
For instance, the location of a dog attack is very important under Tennessee law. It matters greatly whether or not the dog was on his own property or was on public property or your property.
Sometimes a witness at an accident scene following a terrible crash is the only solution as to what really happened.
Many times people don’t get that information or assume the police will.
Seldom does this actually happen.
In fact, unless the witness called 911 many times the witnesses just disappear. If he called 911 we can usually track them down.
Pursuing the kind of cases that we do is often an emotional journey.
To the degree that the professional you hire helps to answer those three underlying questions early on, the more comfortable you might feel going through what is sure to be at times a difficult process.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
