Did you know less than 5% of criminal cases ever go to trial? The numbers are even smaller for civil cases (1-2%).

Many cases are dismissed. But most are resolved thanks to the tireless efforts of lawyers who reach plea bargains and settlements on their client’s behalf.

Almost everyone will inevitably need some form of legal assistance, although these forms can vary greatly. There are also many types of lawyers, so hiring the right one can be overwhelming.

We take the stress out of your selection process in this guide. Read on for six different types of lawyer services you may need, and what they can do for you.

1. Employment Attorney

Once you hire an employee, you’re subject to numerous local, state, and federal laws. These include regulations for:

• Hiring and firing
• Wages
• Compensation
• Taxes
• Health and safety
• Working hours and breaks
• Overtime
• Insurance
• Harassment and discrimination

One small slip-up can spell big trouble for your business. Even a no-liability settlement can cost millions.

An employment attorney safeguards your company in multiple ways. They assist both employers and employees with:

• Compliance
• EEOC complaints
• Resolving disputes
• Legal representation
• Litigation and lawsuits
• Class-action cases
• Contract drafting and contract termination
• Union rights and obligations

For example, you may have to plan for a mass layoff to save costs. An employment attorney can assist with layoff and severance requirements, and represent your case if employees file a class-action suit for wrongful termination.

Employment attorneys can also help with worker’s compensation claims. Both employment lawyers and worker’s comp lawyers share overlapping areas of expertise.

2. Workers Compensation Lawyer

Worker’s compensation is a form of insurance in case you become sick, injured, or even killed as a direct result of your employment. The laws for compensatory damages vary by state.

For example, Texas and South Dakota laws don’t require most employers to carry workers comp insurance. By contrast, North Dakota and Washington require even private businesses to use state-managed workers comp programs.

Hiring a lawyer for worker’s compensation helps you obtain your benefits in several ways. Their services include:

• Official communication with insurance providers
• Gathering evidence for your claim
• Investigating your workplace
• Finding vocational and medical expert testimony
• Gathering any other relevant witness and expert testimonies
• Determining your just compensatory damages
• Filing your claim
• Navigating the appeals process
• Negotiating settlements

Without a qualified worker’s comp lawyer, you’re left at the mercy of insurance companies. These companies will consistently reject your claims on even the flimsiest grounds, so you need a worker’s compensation lawyer in your corner.

3. Accident Lawyer

“Accidents happen” is an old routine saying, but it rings true. Over 46,000 people are killed per year in U.S. traffic accidents. Another 4.4 million suffer serious injuries.

An accident attorney handles several types of auto accident cases. These include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Recreational vehicle accidents (boats, RVs, ATVs, etc.)

Although similar, these cases can have a few key distinctions. These distinctions will be important to your case, depending on the nature and involvement of the accident.

A car accident lawyer helps drivers file insurance claims. They also assist with personal injury and wrongful death claims. They represent their client’s interests if any of these claims come to trial or settlement negotiations.

A truck accident lawyer helps people with accidents involving commercial trucks. These accidents have higher damage, injury, and fatality rates. For these reasons, their liability and settlements are also substantially higher.

A motorcycle accident lawyer helps victims recover damages from accidents involving motorcycles and cars. Motorcycles also have higher injury and death rates.  Many of these accidents result from car driver negligence.

Auto accident lawyers also assist with recreational vehicle cases. Recreational vehicles are usually insured differently from cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This can affect liability and how your accident case is handled.

An accident attorney can help you navigate all these differences. It’s important to hire attorneys with experience in cases like boating accidents. A tiny mistake from your law firm can scuttle your entire case.

4. Personal Injury Lawyer

Like auto accidents, everyone also hopes they can avoid needing an injury attorney in their lifetime. Unexpected personal injuries can mean a mountain of medical bills and legal insurance battles.

Personal injuries can arise from:

• Auto accidents
• Negligence
• Intentional assault
• Libel and slander
• Slips and falls
• Neglect and abuse
• Workplace safety violations
• Environmental contamination

Personal injury lawyers are similar to accident attorneys. The main difference is the scope. Auto accidents involve personal injuries or wrongful death claims, but not all personal injuries and wrongful death claims involve auto accidents.

Some firms may have dedicated accident attorneys. You can still hire personal injury lawyers with the requisite expertise and experience necessary for accident cases, however.

5. Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is one of the most traumatic events you can experience. It can be especially hurtful if you lose them due to the negligence or wrongful acts of someone else.

Wrongful death generally overlaps with the same criteria for personal injuries. Common examples of wrongful death situations include:

• Assault/battery
• Auto and aviation accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace safety
• Defective or toxic products
• Drowning accidents
• Child/elder abuse and neglect

Each state has different criteria for what qualifies as a wrongful death, who can be awarded, and the compensation they can receive.

A wrongful death attorney navigates all the tricky legal processes. They also help families investigate the incident and establish responsibility and proof.

Wrongful death attorneys know money won’t bring back a lost loved one. However, civil penalties may be the only recourse a family has for justice in many cases.

A wrongful death attorney will tirelessly fight for legal accountability, even if it takes many years to conclude.

6. Estate Planning Lawyer

An estate planning lawyer is essential. Many people procrastinate on estate planning, believing it won’t be necessary until their senior years.

This leaves loved ones grieving and scrambling when a tragedy does occur. Family relationships can frazzle and even irreparably split during fights for estate assets. These assets include:

• Checking accounts
• Savings and investments
• Real estate
• Life insurance payouts
• Retirement plans
• Ownership stakes
  Vehicles (cars, boats, etc.)
• Family heirlooms
• Art and antiques
• Major electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
• Other high-value items such as tools or collectibles

On the flip side is debt management. Families inherit your debts, just like your assets. Companies have no qualms about immediately sending bills to grieving family members.

Estate debts depend on state laws and other factors. Generally, these debts include:

• Mortgages and HELOCs
• Spousal community property debt
• Co-signed loans
• Private student loans
• Personal loans
• Medical debt
• Credit card debt
• Vehicle loans
• Timeshares

This can all add up surprisingly fast for your unprepared loved ones. Estate attorneys help you fairly divide your assets, and fairly discharge your debts.

The Legal Representation You Need for the Protection and Benefits You Deserve

Legal representation helps you avoid and prepare for the worst. From car accident lawyers to workers comp lawyers, you deserve legal representation that fights for your best interests.

If you’re looking for top-notch legal expertise, our team is ready to represent you! Connect with us to learn more about our services, or schedule a free consultation.