Most people have seen the hilarious Hollywood skits about someone hiding in a costume to serve an unwitting defendant with a lawsuit or divorce papers screaming, “You’ve been served!”  In the real world, however, things are much less exciting.  We thought it may be important for our readers to know what constitutes legal ‘service’ under the law.  In the event anyone receives papers regarding a divorce, lawsuit of any kind (injury, debt, real estate) or a summons to testify about knowledge they have in someone else’s case, we strongly recommend you call a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights in the pending legal matter.

What is considered ‘legal service’ on an individual?

We deal with damages for injuries all the time but, for those who do not, you may not realize what damages are available when involved in an injury.  While we hope this is information you will not personally need, it may lead to a greater understanding and empathy for those who do seek compensation.

Economic Damages – These include items that have a number assigned and you can generate a “receipt”.  For instance, medical bills, lost wages and damage to property.  Juries generally agree that a defendant should be responsible for this type of compensation.

Non-Economic Damages – These are damages that have value but do not have a price attached to them.  A few examples include:

We urge you to think about what it would mean to you if any of these things impacted you personally and what number it would take to make it right.  While many jurors struggle to come up with a number, the attorneys on both sides suggest a number and it is the job of the jury to use their collective life experience to determine a fair and reasonable amount.

Punitive Damages – These can be awarded by a jury to punish and deter a defendant from repeating the bad behavior or neglect that led to injuries.  This type of compensation is only sought when someone blatantly disregards the law or willfully risks the public’s safety.  Our firm typically seeks these type of damages in severe drunk driving cases or from large companies that cut corners with safety to increase profits. Of note, 50% of the punitive damages amount awarded by the jury goes to the plaintiff – the other 50% goes to the State under various funds to help the residents of the state such as a victim of crime or tort victim with insufficient coverage.

Just for Fun: Tarun and Ozzie Smith

From time to time, clients call and ask which type of cases we handle.  Our practice is built on referrals from satisfied clients.  We know that if we work hard and do a good job for our clients, they will tell their friends about us.  The best compliment from a former client is that client entrusting us with the potential case of their friend or family.  Our office specializes in the following cases:

1. Personal Injury (auto collisions, trucking, motorcycle, slip and fall, dog bites)
2. Work Injuries
3. Traffic tickets and DUI/DWI

If you know someone that meets these criteria, please have them call our office.  If someone does not quite fit the above criteria, please still have the prospective referral give us a call as we can usually help the person find the right attorney via a referral.

Thank you very much to everyone who already left a review, we appreciate it!  If you have not left one and have some kind words, we would appreciate the time.