If you’ve been in a car accident or slip and fall incident and have searched for legal representation, you might have seen the word “esquire” on some personal injury lawyers’ sites. That might have left you with questions about what exactly an esquire is and whether there’s a difference between a lawyer who uses that term and one who doesn’t.
Below, you’ll learn more about the title and what it means when you’re searching for an attorney to hire.
Understanding the Term of Esquire
Initially used in Medieval England, where it meant “attendant” or “shield-bearer,” the term “esquire,” when used in the United States today, is simply a title of courtesy, usually written as “Esq.” on business cards or stationery. It is most commonly used to communicate respect in writing, especially in very formal and official communications.
Although it can apply to other professional fields, it’s typically only used to refer to someone who is authorized to practice law, regardless of their field of preference or the state in which they practice.
Furthermore, it is generally not a title that is used in conversation, nor is it used by clients when speaking to their lawyers. The only times you would be likely to hear it would be during formal events as part of an introduction.
What Does an Esquire Who Practices Personal Injury Law Do?
An esquire or lawyer who practices personal injury law is someone who helps people recover losses after they’ve been in an accident that occurred because of another party’s actions. These attorneys focus on civil actions, meaning they don’t deal with criminal cases.
Instead, they help clients investigate the events that led to their injuries and gather evidence to establish who the liable parties are. One of the most important things that these lawyers do is prove that the other party was negligent; in other words, the other party owed the lawyer’s client a duty of care and breached it, ultimately resulting in the client’s injuries.
Perhaps most importantly, personal injury lawyers also negotiate with insurance companies to help clients get fair settlements. Insurance companies are always searching for ways to minimize claims, and that often means making low offers.
An esquire or attorney will aggressively fight for fair compensation so that clients can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. In instances when a settlement isn’t possible because of disputes regarding fault (or because the insurer simply doesn’t want to cooperate), a personal injury lawyer can take the case to court and fight for a jury verdict there.
When Should You Hire an Esquire?
It can be a good idea to hire an esquire who practices in the field of personal injury if you’ve been in an accident.
The most common incidents that personal injury lawyers handle cases about include:
- Car accidents
- Dog bites
- Slips and falls (and other premises liability accidents)
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Malfunctioning product accidents
- Instances of medical malpractice
In addition to all of these, if a loved one has died because of someone else’s conduct, you can also retain a lawyer to help you file a wrongful death claim.
Get Experienced Representation From an Esquire
If you (or a loved one) have suffered an injury because of another party’s conduct, you may be entitled to file a claim and receive compensation. However, it is not something you should ever go through alone. By hiring an attorney — whether they adopt the term “esquire” or not — to represent you, you have a better chance of getting the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact the Kennesaw personal injury lawyers from Starks Byron, P.C. for Help Today
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
