Understanding Your Privacy Rights as a Personal Injury Litigant

 

An important factor to consider when picking an attorney for a personal injury case is privacy. Many plaintiffs have to provide other parties with considerable personal information during their lawsuits. 

Hire a personal injury lawyer in NJ who is experienced in preserving your privacy during a suit.

Is My Personal Privacy at Risk in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When you bring a personal injury lawsuit, you have to provide personal information to your attorney so they can move forward with your case. This may include W-2 forms, pay stubs, insurance policies, and benefits.

You’ll also need to disclose other personal information, such as medical records and notes from doctor’s appointments. There is also a chance that the other party’s lawyers may request your driver’s license information and Social Security number to perform a background check on you.

Specifically with respect to a claim for personal injuries your personal information may be kept private to a limited extent since you are  voluntarilyputting your medical condition into issue.  In the event we are able to settle your claim without a lawsuit then then your business will not be in the public eye.  Once a lawsuit is filed there is a much greater risk that your personal information may become public. 

What are New Jersey’s Rules on Client Confidentiality? 

According to New Jersey’s Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers must keep client information private without the written consent of the client to release the personal data. They can also disclose client information accessible through government agencies and public libraries. Your lawyer may disclose your information if they have a reasonable belief it is necessary under one of these circumstances: 

  • Lawyers can disclose information to the authorities to prevent you from committing criminal acts that can cause injury or harm to others. They can also disclose if they believe it will cause fraud in a court case. 
  • A lawyer may share your information with the person whose life or property is in danger if they believe it is necessary to prevent death, injury, financial harm, or property damage. 
  • An attorney can also reveal information to correct the effects of a client’s unlawful or fraudulent behavior during the time when the lawyer’s services were rendered.

How Can a Skilled Attorney Protect My Privacy

Lawyers must protect client information, including electronic data, from unauthorized third parties. You can ask about client confidentiality during your free consultation with your personal injury lawyer at https://www.springersteinberg.com/personal-injury/bicycle-accidents/. Following your consultation, they can ask whether they can reveal certain information on your behalf, and you can grant them formal permission to do so.  

A Personal Injury Lawyer in NJ Respects Your Privacy

In a personal injury case, your privacy is important. Experienced personal injury lawyers can protect your privacy throughout your lawsuit. Contact us for a free case evaluation 24/7.