Partner
When searching for a personal injury attorney, you may come across many lawyers claiming they can handle your case. However, not all attorneys are created equal. One of the most significant distinctions in the legal field is Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law. In Texas, earning this certification is rare, with only a small percentage of attorneys meeting the rigorous requirements to be recognized as authorities in this area. Attorney Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group has passed the rigorous tests and is your College Station choice for board-certified personal injury trial lawyers.
Board Certification is a mark of excellence and achievement. It signifies that an attorney has demonstrated substantial experience in personal injury trial law, passed a comprehensive and challenging exam, and received peer evaluations from judges and fellow attorneys. This certification is awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) and is a clear indicator that an attorney has the knowledge, skill, and dedication to handling serious personal injury cases effectively. Maintaining this certification also requires ongoing legal education and a commitment to staying up to date with changes in the law, ensuring that Board-Certified attorneys provide the highest level of representation.
How Rare Is Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law?
The legal profession in Texas is vast, with over 100,000 licensed attorneys. However, only a small fraction—about 2%—have achieved Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law. This means that when you hire a Board-Certified attorney, you are choosing someone with proven expertise in handling complex personal injury cases, from negotiations to trial. Their track record demonstrates a deep understanding of courtroom procedures, trial advocacy, and a commitment to securing the best outcomes for their clients.
Many attorneys advertise their ability to take on personal injury cases, but without Board Certification, there is no guarantee of their courtroom experience or track record of success. Some lawyers handle a high volume of cases, focusing on quick settlements rather than aggressively advocating for maximum compensation. When an attorney is Board-Certified, it indicates that they are not only experienced in settling cases but also highly qualified to take a case to trial if necessary.
The Importance of Trial Experience in Personal Injury Cases
Not all personal injury attorneys are willing or able to take a case to trial. Many law firms prioritize fast settlements over client advocacy, accepting lower payouts rather than going the extra mile to fight for their clients. These firms may accept your case, negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, take their cut, and move on to the next client—all without ever stepping into a courtroom.
While settling out of court is sometimes the best option, insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know they are dealing with an attorney who is fully prepared to go to trial. A Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer has the litigation skills and experience to take a case to court when necessary, ensuring that clients are not pressured into accepting unfair offers. Insurance companies recognize which attorneys are actually prepared to fight in court and which ones will always take a settlement, and they use this knowledge to their advantage when making settlement offers.
Why You Need a Board-Certified Attorney
Choosing a Board-Certified attorney in Personal Injury Trial Law provides several advantages, including:
- Proven Expertise: Certification is only awarded to attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge in personal injury trial law.
- Trial Readiness: Insurance companies take Board-Certified attorneys seriously because they know these lawyers are fully prepared to litigate if needed.
- Higher Settlements: With a skilled trial lawyer advocating for you, insurance companies are less likely to lowball settlement offers.
- Commitment to Clients: Board-certified attorneys must maintain the highest ethical standards and continue their legal education to keep their certification.
- A Reputation for Excellence: The legal community, including judges and opposing attorneys, recognizes Board-Certified attorneys as among the most knowledgeable and skilled in their field.
Don’t Settle for Less – Choose a Board-Certified Attorney
When you are facing the aftermath of a serious injury, you need legal representation that prioritizes your best interests over a quick payout. Hiring a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer ensures that you have an attorney with the experience, knowledge, and willingness to fight for your rights in court if necessary.
At The Payne Law Group, we are proud to be Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, a distinction that sets us apart from many other firms. We are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients, whether negotiating a fair settlement or taking their cases to trial. Contact Scott Scherr today for a consultation.