how to reach a lawyer in an emergency

How Emergency Laws Works 1 Briefly tell us about your case 2 Provide your contact information 3 Connect with a local attorney

Full Answer

Do You give Your emergency contact legal power?

Give Your Emergency Contact the Legal Power to Act on Your Behalf An emergency contact is the first person medical personnel will get in touch with in an emergency, but your emergency contact may not have the legal authority to act on your behalf unless you explicitly provide that power.

Who should I name as my emergency contact?

Ideally, you will name the same person to be your agent and your emergency contact. Since your emergency contact is the first person the doctors will notify in the event of an emergency, it makes sense that they also have the authority to make decisions about your medical care. Your emergency contact should be aware of your privacy concerns.

What can an emergency contact do for You?

For example, an emergency contact can answer questions and contact other people for you, but unless there is some legal relationship between you and your emergency contact, he or she won't have the authority to direct what kind of medical treatment you should (or should not) receive.

What should I look for when hiring a lawyer?

Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include: You can often talk to a lawyer for free for at least the first conversation. Ask questions about their experience and fees. These programs offer a variety of ways to get legal aid. Some limit their services to people with low incomes.

What is pension rights center?

Pension Rights Center - Get free legal help for problems with your pension, profit-sharing, or retirement savings plans.

What is law help interactive?

Law Help Interactive - This program helps you fill out legal forms for free, such as those dealing with:

What is an individual lawyer?

Individual lawyers (also called attorneys) are experts in different areas of the law. Some attorneys specialize in a certain field of law, such as business, civil, criminal, or juvenile law. You will need to determine which type of attorney is right for your legal situation.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Keep in mind, Chapter 7 bankruptcy information stays on your credit report for 10 years. This can make it hard to get credit, buy a home, receive life insurance, or get a job. Learn more about bankruptcy, and other options for dealing with debt .

What to write in a divorce letter?

For example, if you're calling an attorney about a divorce, you might write down, "My name is Sally Sunshine and my partner and I have decided to divorce. I'd like to talk to an attorney about custody of our children and what will happen to our house, which is in both of our names."

Why do you need notes for a consultation?

Your notes enable you to go over the consultation later. You can also compare them to your notes from your consultations with other attorneys when you're deciding which attorney you want to hire.

How to thank an attorney for their time?

For example, you might let them know that you are only available in the afternoon. Close your email by thanking the attorney for their time and attention.

How to know if an attorney is a bad lawyer?

You can also check whether they've been brought up on any disciplinary charges. If an attorney has been disciplined, that doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad lawyer. However, you probably want to think twice before you hire them to represent you. [5]

How to identify attorneys you might want to stay away from?

If you have family or friends who have previously consulted an attorney for a similar legal matter, they might be able to give you some names of attorneys to talk to. If they had a bad experience, they can also help you identify attorneys you might want to stay away from. [2]

What happens if you don't get along with an attorney?

Also take personality into consideration. If someone you know didn't get along with an attorney, there might have been a simple mismatch of personalities.

How to talk to a lawyer about a legal issue?

Anytime you're faced with a legal issue and aren't sure if you can resolve it on your own, it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer — even if you end up ultimately not hiring anyone to help you. Start by getting names and contact information of at least 2 or 3 lawyers who could potentially help you. Then, call or send an email to each one asking to schedule a consultation to discuss your issue in more depth . Although you might be nervous, talking to an attorney will be less intimidating if you're thoroughly prepared to explain your issues and your goals to resolve the case.

What is the NCSC?

National Center for State Courts. The NCSC provides links to legal aid programs, by state.

How long does it take to get a lawyer's advice on AVVO?

AVVO.com’s “Ask a Lawyer” service. Post a question and get free advice from multiple lawyers. Questions are often answered within 12 hours.

What is the number to call an attorney?

When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763) , you’ll be connected with an attorney in your area who’s familiar with the laws in your state, who’s willing to listen to your concerns, and who can explain the options available to you moving forward. Calls are answered 24 hours a day! 24/7 FREE LEGAL ADVICE: 1-800-ATTORNEY.

What is the best phone number to call for a free consultation?

When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763), you’ll be connected with an attorney in your area who’s familiar with ...

Is there legal advice online?

There are many free legal advice services available online as well, but we strongly advise you to take all online advice with a grain of salt. The law varies from state to state, and those giving legal advice will often have differing opinions, and may not even be licensed to practice law.

Why do you need to inform your emergency contact?

If there is something you're not comfortable sharing with your loved ones—or if you want to limit the amount of information they receive—inform your emergency contact of any privacy concerns beforehand. This will help avoid potential disclosures you're not ready to make.

What should an emergency contact know?

Your Emergency Contact Should Know Your Medical History. If something happens, your emergency contact might need to explain your medical history , allergies, or medications. Ideally, your emergency contact will know that information and be able to communicate it to medical professionals. While it's a good idea to provide this information ...

What happens when you make your wishes legally known?

When you make your wishes legally known, your agent and your doctors must do everything they can to follow your preference for medical care. Doing this gives your emergency contact, health care agent, doctors, and family a clear understanding of your wishes.

What is a surrogate called?

Depending on your state's laws, this person is called your health care agent, proxy , or surrogate. Stating this choice in a legal document makes it clear to all involved who should make medical decisions about your healthcare if you cannot speak for yourself. Ideally, you will name the same person to be your agent and your emergency contact.

What is a medical power of attorney?

In many states, a medical power of attorney and a living will are combined in one document, often called an "advance directive.". Each state has its own requirements for health care directives, but it typically requires notarized documents that describe the type of medical care you want to receive.

What to write before writing someone's name on a medical form?

Before writing someone's name on your medical forms, make sure that the person you want to name: is up for the job. will be available when needed. knows your medical history. has the legal power to act on your behalf. can communicate your situation to others as needed, and. understands and is willing to uphold your wishes for medical care.

Why is it important to make sure you and your loved one are on the same page?

Making sure that you and your loved one are on the same page will also avoid a terrifying surprise in the event that they are actually needed , and it will also give you a chance to make sure they have the necessary information to act as your advocate.

Who Can Be Held Liable For an Injury Resulting from an Emergency Room Error?

Various parties can be held liable for an emergency room error injury. These can include:

What Can Result from Emergency Room Errors?

Emergency room errors may exacerbate the symptoms of the original condition. For example, a gunshot wound victim may continue to bleed and eventually fall unconscious. Some possible injuries or serious complications that may arise from an emergency room error include:

How Common Are Emergency Room Errors?

Evidence suggests that emergency room errors are more common than most would believe. Studies have found that reported errors occur in almost every aspect of emergency care, but serious errors occur in only a minority of cases.

Why Do Emergency Room Errors Happen?

The emergency room is a place where mistakes can get out of control and multiply. The typical emergency room is understaffed. Patients may be passed from one doctor to another or from nurse to nurse multiple times throughout a single shift.

Are Emergency Room Errors Examples of Medical Malpractice?

Virtually all emergency room errors are preventable. Emergency room errors typically fall under the umbrella of medical malpractice. For an injury to be considered medical malpractice:

Can Hospitals Be Charged with Medical Malpractice?

Many hospitals do not adequately staff their emergency rooms. Patients still deserve the highest level of care possible from a medical institution, regardless of whether the hospital is understaffed or if the medical practitioners are doing the best that they can.

Are There any Legal Remedies for Emergency Room Error Claims?

Legal remedies in an emergency room error lawsuit typically include a monetary damages award. These damages are generally intended to compensate the injured party or parties for losses caused by the error. These can include additional medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.