When most people picture attorneys, they think of chasing ambulances or being charged with a crime. Attorneys are actually very useful tools for many families when it comes to safe working environments, error-free medical treatment, protecting your child from abuse, and more.
If legal procedures confuse or intimidate you, it’s a smart idea to know the types of lawyers that are out there that can help you if an emergency strikes you or your family. Life comes with risks, and attorneys can help fight to protect your rights during the most vulnerable times.
Personal Injury or Abuse
Injuries or accidents can often happen due to the negligence of others. A faulty product, an unsafe premises, or a car accident due to reckless driving all warrant a call to a personal injury lawyer. They’ll walk you through your rights and options for pursuing compensation for you and any family members who may have been involved. Injuries don’t have to occur accidentally, either. You can consult with a personal injury lawyer about abuse cases, too.
If you or a loved one is a victim of any type of physical abuse, especially by trusted community members, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney. Personal injury attorneys can also have experience in sexual abuse cases, such as the River Valley Juvenile Center sexual abuse lawsuit that affected teenagers in the area. It can happen anywhere, at any time. Make sure you’re prepared!
Probate or Estate
Most parents don’t want to think about a sudden or unexpected death in the family, particularly that of their own. New parents may not have yet created a will to guide surviving family members on what to do in the event of their death.
You’re responsible for yourself and any children you may have, so creating a will is very important. Who will take care of your child if something happens to you? Where will your financial assets go to help raise them? A will provides legally binding answers to these questions. An estate attorney can help you draw up a legally binding will in the event of your death or other emergencies that limit your ability to provide care for your family.
If someone unexpectedly dies without a will, legal confusion and procedures can cause even more distress. A probate lawyer helps you navigate local laws regarding family deaths without a will and can help fight to earn a fair distribution of assets. You never know when emergencies will happen; knowing who to call is an excellent first step to protecting your family.
Family
Marriages aren’t guaranteed to last forever. While it isn’t anyone’s goal to get a divorce, circumstances may arise where you need legal support for a separation or custody agreement. A family law attorney can help fight for your rights as a parent to ensure everyone is satisfied with custody agreements and visitation policies.
You don’t even need to be arguing or on bad terms with a co-parent to benefit from a family attorney. It’s simply smart to make sure T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted when it comes to child custody (and co-parenting). On the other hand, if you’re in a marriage involving domestic violence or abuse, it’s imperative to contact a family attorney straight away to protect yourself and understand your options.
Immigration
Many families immigrate to other countries to earn a better life for their children. Complications with visas or sudden changes in immigration statuses can tear families apart and cause immense stress. Immigration attorneys can ensure that your rights are protected and you’re following the laws of the country you’ve immigrated to (or wish to).
If you plan on leaving the country to live elsewhere, an immigration attorney can help you do it legally and as fast as the law allows—with much less confusion. Having an attorney on your side can mitigate the chances of being separated from your child due to immigration confusion.
Medical Malpractice
Trusting a doctor to care for you or your family members can be scary. When a doctor betrays that trust, it can have devastating consequences. Medical errors like misdiagnoses or incorrect surgery procedures can severely impact lives—or end them.
You can never predict when medical malpractice will occur, but knowing what to do in case medical errors or abuse occur can help you recover financial and emotional damages from the incident. A medical malpractice attorney specializes in cases involving medical errors, misdiagnoses, and other medical negligence. They can fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard if you want to pursue justice.
Criminal Defense
Sometimes, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you can end up with criminal charges. A speeding ticket in some areas can result in criminal charges. An argument that gets out of hand can land you a battery charge.
While no one typically plans to break the law or end up with criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can understand your situation and help mitigate the consequences of these situations. In some cases, they may be able to reduce or eliminate any jail time requirements. Whether you’re planning to plead innocence or guilt, an attorney can assist you immensely.
Employment
Your career is likely extremely important to you. Holding down a job means you can support your family and provide a roof over their heads. A sudden firing or termination can devastate families, especially single-income households. If you’re questioning the reason for your termination or are experiencing an unsafe work environment, you’ll definitely benefit from an employment attorney.
They are familiar with your location’s work laws and can help fight for your right to a safe working environment. Consultations are typically free, so even if you’re unsure whether you were wrongfully terminated, an attorney can discuss your case without strings attached.
Conclusion
You never know when an emergency will occur, but you can take steps to mitigate the damage when you know which attorneys to call. Car accidents, wrongful job termination, medical errors, or deportation can happen without warning to anyone. When you have a family, the effects of emergencies can be even more dire.
Attorneys can help fight by your side and ensure your rights are protected, regardless of the situation. If you experience an emergency, make sure you know your rights. If not, consult with the appropriate attorney—they may offer life-changing advice and services.
