Even if you’re outside the legal system or have never been in a courtroom. You’ve likely heard about the concept of attorney-client privilege. However, this idea is seldom broken down. If you’re thinking of mounting a case, know someone who is, or you’re just curious about the nature of this unique relationship. Here’s what you need to understand about attorney-client privilege.
What is Attorney-Client Privilege?
Attorney-client privilege is an institution meant to secure legal clients from risk. Risk of information that is private or pertinent to their case falling into the wrong hands. In its origin, the purpose of attorney-client privilege is to prevent the possibility of an attorney testifying against the client based on information that the client has told them in private conversations. Shielded by this privilege, clients can feel more comfortable being open about any details pertinent to their case. That way, attorneys have the full picture and can provide accurate, professional advice. Conversations between attorneys and clients are said to be had in a “zone of privacy.”
What Constitutes an Attorney-Client Relationship?
The attorney-client privilege does not exist until there is an attorney-client relationship in play. That may seem obvious, but it is imperative. That means that a client has firmly hired and met with the attorney, and the two parties have agreed on the contract for representation. There could be a few exceptions to this, such as if an attorney is held on retainer by an individual or entity or if there has been a history of former representations.
Are All Communications Confidential?
So, are all communication between attorneys and their clients confidential? The answer is murky. Most communications are, indeed, privileged, but it does not cover all communication. If a client conveys certain facts pertinent to the case, and those facts are available to find out elsewhere—for instance, if they are publicly published online—then communication is not confidential. Those facts may be used in court.
Contact Herrman & Herrman P.L.L.C. at 361.882.4357
Our firm is equipped with over 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases across Texas. Our outstanding record of favorable settlements and verdicts includes over 20,000 successfully resolved cases. Once we take on a case, we are relentless, and you can rely on us to pursue full compensation for you.
- You can trust our attorneys to be compassionate and professional.
- We will fight hard to obtain a fair settlement for you.
- Our firm represents the injured and families who have lost a loved one due to others’ negligent acts.
- We serve as counsel in various injury cases – including car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian accidents, premises liability cases, product liability cases, and medical malpractice claims.
- We have the ability to dispatch the Herrman & Herrman Accident Investigative Team to the crash scene to start an investigation and preserve critical evidence.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.