Introduction

This is the first in a series of columns describing the trial process. The columns will describe an injury lawsuit brought by Jean, an imaginary plaintiff. We hope that these columns help to explain what we do and why it is important that we do it well.

Despite books and movies, news stories about trials and Jay Leno's jokes, few people understand what we do. There are many myths about lawyers and the "litigation crisis" the insurance industry says it is experiencing. George W. Bush includes a reference in nearly every speech.

However, despite what the insurance company sponsored ad campaigns would have you think, you face real problems after an accident. Your life is turned upside down. The challenges you face are new and frightening. You can't work. For the first time in your life, you are worried about paying your mortgage and feeding your kids; things you have always taken for granted.

At trial, the lawyer's job is to present the evidence in an organized and dramatic fashion. Our purpose is to persuade the jury of the money damages needed to compensate our client for the pain caused by her injuries and for the effect they have had on her life. To present a large amount of complex information in a short period of time is difficult. The trial is the product of many months of hard work.

In the next two columns we will introduce you to Jean and describe her accident. We will consider her injuries and what motivates her to seek legal help. Thereafter we will describe the trial as it proceeds. We will discuss one important step in the trial in each column. We will explain why each step is important to the plaintiff's future. We will discuss the preparation required.

Most cases do not actually proceed to trial. But a good settlement is not easily achieved. A case is settled for fair compensation when the plaintiff and her lawyer have formed a strong working relationship and when the lawyer has ensured that the evidence is complete and well organized.

If you are hurt we want you to be confident that you have made the right choice if you select our firm. If your case goes to trial we want you to be confident that your case is fully prepared. We want you to know that at Horne Marr Zak, we care about your future.