It’s no secret that personal injury lawyers get a bad rap in our society. We’ve all heard the stereotypes and jokes about these “ambulance-chasing” lawyers: that we prey on vulnerable people for our own personal gain, that we chase ambulances for our next payday, and that we will do any shady or covert action in order to collect

These stereotypes are not only false, but they damage our legal system. The legal system is what people turn to in their time of need. And truth be told, the vast majority of injury attorneys help their clients get the compensation they deserve. People who are injured in a car accident, personal injury, or injured by a defective product turn to accident lawyers every day.

So where do these negative stereotypes come from? They mainly come from popular media that is heavily influenced by the insurance company’s liability reform agenda. TV shows, news, and movies often portray lawyers in the worst light possible: greedy and vindictive. Danny DeVito’s character in “The Rainmaker” is a prime example. He is an incompetent and unethical lawyer who frequently visits people in hospitals to boost business.

In addition, the negative stereotypes come from the lawyer advertisements themselves. Many of these ads make it seem like money-hungry lawyers convince people that they need a lawyer to recover millions of dollars in even the most common injury accident cases. Also, it seems that clients are judged by the amount of their settlement, and not as a person. However, these money-hungry lawyers are in the minority. Most personal injury lawyers do not treat their clients like food stamps.

Injury lawyers not only help their clients in times of need, but their work ensures that people live in a safe environment and society. Negligent corporations and individuals are aware that they may be forced to pay civil damages if they choose not to act reasonably and safely. Personal injury attorneys are also responsible for ensuring that local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations are in place to protect the general public. These laws were enacted in response to harmful negligent behavior and ensure that people stay healthy and safe when using products designed and manufactured to be safe.

I can see why people believe the worst about personal injury lawyers, as negative stereotypes surround them. Certainly lawyers don’t help themselves and all it takes is “one bad apple spoils the whole bunch”. Unfortunately, while you almost always hear about the immoral lawyer who stole his client’s money on the news, you almost NEVER hear about the positive things lawyers do for their clients, including pro bono work for causes where lawyers they believe or the reduction of their fees. to ensure that his clients receive all the justice they deserve. While it is true that some injury lawyers are greedy and selfish, the vast majority genuinely care about their clients’ rights and are strong advocates for their clients.

Of course, what is often ignored is that the main driver behind these negative stereotypes is corporations and insurance companies hoping to use these bad public images to their advantage. They try to say that injury lawyers and their clients are the antagonists trying to profit from a lottery of lawsuits, and lawyers trying to profit from their clients’ misfortunes. However, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do what we do and many attorneys have chosen to work with injured people because they want to help people.

There may be a time in everyone’s life when they are faced with a situation where they will consider hiring a personal injury attorney. Remember that there are many injury lawyers that will fight hard for you. You are not, and should not be, just another number or a paycheck for your lawyers. You deserve to be treated with respect by a personal injury lawyer who appreciates having you as a client.