The criminal justice system handles crimes while the civil court system deals with disputes between entities. People may address issues with other people or corporations in civil court. Organizations, businesses, and institutions may also address conflicts through civil cases.
You can turn to a licensed attorney for assistance when you have legal issues. Lawyers must complete an undergraduate degree, earn their law degree, pass the bar exam, and be licensed by their state. During their legal studies, lawyers choose a specialty, which determines the types of cases they’ll handle during their career. Let’s take a look at where you’ll receive legal support for various legal issues.
If you’re injured in an accident or a product makes you ill, turn to personal injury attorneys.
Personal injury lawyers represent people coping with injuries from an accident. Suppose you’re in a car accident and need medical care. Personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation, enabling you to determine whether you have grounds for legal action without assuming any financial risk. When you hire an injury attorney, their legal team will investigate your accident and gather evidence. They’ll file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires and fight for you to receive fair compensation for your medical bills and other expenses stemming from your accident. Personal injury attorneys handle cases stemming from various incidents, including boating accidents, dog bites, premises liability, nursing home abuse, birth injuries, and medical malpractice.
Personal injury attorneys also handle lawsuits against product manufacturers, as some products can cause injuries or illness. Suppose you used a Philips continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat your sleep apnea. These CPAP machines can release foam particles and chemical emissions, causing severe health issues such as asthma and lung cancer. If you developed cancer after using a Philips CPAP machine, you might have grounds to file a Philips CPAP lawsuit. Your injury attorney pursues legal action against the product manufacturer, fighting for you to receive compensation from the at-fault party.
You may need a labour law attorney if you have issues with your workplace.
Labour laws protect the rights of employees and contractors, ensuring employees receive fair wages and treatment. Employers may discriminate against employees because of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion. The Supreme Court has upheld the rights of employees, protecting workers from being fired without cause.
Despite the legal rulings, some employers take unlawful actions. You may be mistreated at work or fired due to your employer’s biases. In that case, contact a labour law attorney such as Malliha Wilson. Since earning her law degree from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, Wilson has acquired years of experience as an attorney. She’s worked for the Government of Ontario and has presented multiple notable cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. Wilson also handles human rights and Indigenous law cases, making her an ideal legal resource if you’re dealing with workplace discrimination or human rights violations.
A business lawyer can help you establish and operate your company.
Large corporations have business lawyers on staff. Their attorneys help them navigate all the legal issues involved with launching and running a business. Business attorneys review local, state, and federal laws and ensure their employer complies with those laws. They may identify permits required to perform specific tasks and review contracts to ensure their client doesn’t enter a bad contract.
Business attorneys may also work for a law firm and counsel clients establishing a business or having business law issues. Suppose you’re starting a business. You may consult a business attorney to determine whether you should operate as a sole proprietor or whether you should incorporate your business. Business attorneys can also help establish legal guidelines for hiring and terminating employees, ensuring your company complies with labour laws.
There are many reasons you may need legal support. Consulting an attorney with the appropriate legal specialty is the best way to get the support you need when you have legal issues.