How Graphics Help at Every Stage of the Legal Process

Today, attorneys have many tools at their disposal, including visual aids. These graphics can help to simplify technical details, organize evidence, and make a persuasive argument. While these aids might be well suited for just the trial stage, they can help through every step of litigation.

Let’s look at how graphics enhance every stage of the legal process. With this information, you can use these tools to assist with your client’s case.

Case Analysis

No matter whether you have a product liability, medical malpractice, or car crash claim, all these cases start with a thorough investigation. These graphics can help attorneys and investigators dissect facts and identify important elements early in the process. For example, an accident diagram can recreate accident scenes and clarify the sequence of events. These visuals can be used to analyze the vehicles’ course and determine fault.

Also, medical visuals can depict injuries and their long-term implications. For example, a detailed graphic of spinal injuries can be implemented in a slip-and-fall case to highlight the plaintiff’s suffering.

If the case involves multiple events, like medical malpractice, timelines help organize and sequence evidence. In turn, that can make it easier to pinpoint negligence or causation.

Preparations for Trial

Before heading to trial, attorneys and their legal team need to develop the case’s narrative and strategy. Lawyers will often use charts, slides, or animations to explain the claim’s strengths to clients or insurers.

Before trial, attorneys can test the effectiveness of visuals in focus groups. Many times, they can see what resonates most with potential jurors. This feedback is vital as it refines arguments and presentation styles.

The Discovery and Deposition Phase

More evidence is being gathered and organized from the other legal team during this time. In some cases, it can result in an overwhelming amount of data. Graphics streamline the information, allowing attorneys to stay focused and organized.

Lawyers may use visuals to prepare witnesses for depositions, especially in cases with technical elements. For example, a map showing where an accident occurred might help a witness clarify their testimony.

These can be used as deposition exhibits: Annotated photographs or illustrations may help witnesses explain their testimony. In turn, that can reduce any confusion and strengthen your client’s case.

The Settlement Negotiation Process

Settlement discussions are important to any legal process, especially personal injury cases. With graphics, lawyers can convey the strength of their case and the extent of damages.

Some attorneys may use settlement brochures. These documents contain visuals that:

• Summarize the case
• Highlight key evidence
• Illustrate damages

For example, a lawyer representing a car accident victim might include before-and-after photos of the client’s injuries.

Charts or infographics also break down financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Many times, this can persuade opposing counsel or insurers to offer fair compensation.

Even side-by-side visuals, such as pre-and post-accident imagery, can demonstrate the life-altering impact of an injury

Trial Presentation

It is during the trial stage that visual aids are highly effective. These graphics provide a memorable, persuasive way to present arguments and evidence to jurors and judges. The National Law Review notes that visual presentations at trial are effective because jurors often learn in different ways.

Many times, a lawyer uses graphics to introduce the case narrative. In turn, that can set the stage for jurors. For example, a timeline of key events can provide jurors with an overview of what to expect.

Accident reconstructions, 3D models, and medical animations make abstract or technical concepts accessible to those who might not understand these terms. These tools help jurors visualize and connect the evidence to the case narrative.

Graphics recap the strongest points of the case. With that, jurors can retain vital information during deliberations.

Post-Trial Appeals and Analysis

Even after a trial concludes, graphics are not done with the process. They can also be valuable tools for refining legal arguments and pursuing appeals. These visual summaries of trial evidence, such as timelines or charts, highlight critical errors or inconsistencies for appellate courts.

After the case is done, lawyers and their teams may want to use graphics to analyze trial performance and identify lessons for future cases.

Graphics Can Assist at Every Stage of the Legal Process

Graphics are indispensable in modern litigation. They are not just visuals. Instead, demonstrative evidence offers many benefits. They can help to strengthen your client’s case, simplify those complicated concepts, and engage with jurors and other decision-makers.

Whether used during discovery, at trial, or throughout settlement discussions, visual aids provide clarity at every stage of the legal process. For many attorneys, these tools are an invaluable part of the process. If you would like to learn more about how to implement these graphics into your legal toolbox, reach out to us at Advocacy Digital Media.