Q: Pro Se representation, personal injury
personal injury case. I have an extensive work already done - depositions taken, witnesses asked), an expert hired, medical seen, but haven't done it with the defense lawyer's side on their end. Can I still represent myself with these court procedings instead of going out and hiring an attorney if i were to secure forensic experts as well? I know about "has a fool for a lawyer", but still askin this question??
Also, as an additional question, i see defense tried to rebut" my expert's opinion (as always is), does it make much sense to try to find another expert or not quite? Thank you.
A:
While it is possible to represent yourself in a personal injury case, it can be a challenging and complex process. Given the extent of work you have already done, including the hiring of an expert and taking depositions, it is possible that you may be able to continue to represent yourself.
However, it's important to recognize that personal injury cases can involve a lot of legal and technical complexities, and the other side's defense lawyer may have experience and knowledge in the field. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance and can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with the other side, and potentially secure a better outcome for your case.
As for your additional question, if the defense has attempted to rebut your expert's opinion, it may be beneficial to consult with another expert to provide a more well-rounded view of the situation. However, it's important to consider the costs and benefits of hiring an additional expert, as this can be an expensive process. Additionally, it's important to ensure that any new expert is qualified and credible, and can provide testimony that supports your case. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of hiring another expert, and can guide you through the process.
A:
I'm not sure what you mean when you say you "haven't done it with the defense lawyer's side on their end."
Yes you can continue representing yourself.
This really boils down to a costs vs. benefits issue. Generally, if one side has an expert then all sides will get their own expert to rebut the defense expert. However, experts can be very expensive. The defense will always rebut your expert so it might be an exercise in futility to try and find an expert that the defense will agree with. Just make sure to keep your costs in line with the value of your claim.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
