How A Subpoena Could Maximize Your Recovery
In the pursuit of justice after a South Florida injury, there are an array of legal tools at your disposal. For some, subpoenas can significantly enhance the strength of a claim. If you aren’t sure what a subpoena is or how securing one could lead to you gathering crucial evidence for your injury claim, connect with Miami personal injury lawyer to have your questions answered.
What a Subpoena Is and Why You Need Legal Support
A subpoena is a legal document that compels an individual or entity to produce specific documents or to testify in a legal proceeding. The documents are records, or evidence, that can strengthen a person’s case.
The type of evidence you need will depend on the details of your situation. For instance, in cases involving car crashes or slip and fall injuries, nearby surveillance cameras may have recorded the incident. Then, a subpoena can be used to compel the owner of the surveillance footage to provide a copy for review. Once you and your lawyer have the footage, it can serve as valuable evidence, establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, determining liability, and supporting your need for financial relief.
While it is possible to draft and issue a subpoena without legal representation, it is highly advisable to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with how to navigate obtaining and serving subpoenas. Hiring an attorney ensures that the subpoena is properly formatted, legally valid, and effectively serves its intended purpose.
Medical and Employment Records
Additionally, there are times when subpoenas need to be used to access medical records. Legal requests can be used to compel healthcare providers, hospitals, or relevant medical facilities to produce records that illustrate the extent of your injuries, treatment received, and medical expenses incurred, reinforcing the damages aspect of your claim.
In cases where your injury impacts your ability to work, employment records will be necessary to prove lost wages. Subpoenas can be issued to your employer to obtain records related to your work history, salary, and any changes in your employment status resulting from the injury.
While drafting a legally-binding subpoena is important, it is just the first step in the process. It also needs to be properly served and there are specific legal requirements that must be adhered to. An experienced Miami personal injury lawyer can handle the intricacies of the process every step of the way, ensuring compliance with the law and maximizing the effectiveness of the evidence obtained.
Part of your recovery process could include issuing subpoenas to obtain visual evidence, medical records, eyewitness testimony, or employment records. Then, your attorney will use that evidence to leverage your claim and build a robust case that strengthens your position. Doing so maximizes your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.
How could the subpoena process make or break your case? Share what evidence you have with the legal team at Spencer Morgan Law. Attorneys can determine if more will be needed to meet your objectives. Call 305-423-3800 to schedule a no-cost consultation.