Mastering the Courtroom Attorney in Marietta, Georgia

Opening Statements

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I’ll tell you it’s one of those things, I heard this a long, long time ago that cases can’t be won in opening statements but they certainly can be lost. Opening statements in my opinion are one of the most important parts of a trial because it really sets the stage for the what the evidence is going to show and what the story of your case is. And that’s kind of the most important thing to me is setting up the story, explaining to the jury why your client was injured and why they’re entitled to compensation for what they’ve been through. And it does go back to telling the story of your client.

Part of that is really getting to know your client beforehand. Sitting down and talking to them not just about the case but getting to know who they are as a person, what they’ve been through, what the case has caused them to experience, and how it’s affected not just them but their family. Oftentimes when you have significant injuries it affects everybody in your life not just you and it’s that story that becomes so important to explain to the jury so that on the back end when the jury is faced with having to make an award they understand all aspects of the case not just the injuries that have affected you. And all of that starts with the story in opening statements explaining those things to them and getting them to understand who your client is, what your client is about, and how the case is affected them.

Marietta, GA personal injury attorney Michael R. Braun talks about how an opening statement may be one of the most vital parts of trial. He explains that, let me share something I learned a long time ago: Opening statements may not win cases, but they can certainly lead to their loss. In my view, opening statements hold immense significance in a trial as they establish the foundation for the evidence that will be presented and shape the narrative of your case. For me, the most crucial aspect is crafting a compelling story that explains to the jury why your client was harmed and why they deserve compensation for their experiences. It all comes down to effectively conveying your client’s story.

A vital part of this process is truly getting to know your client beforehand. Taking the time to sit down and have conversations with them goes beyond discussing the legal aspects of the case. It involves understanding their identity, their struggles, the impact the case has had on their lives, and how it has affected not only them but also their loved ones. Significant injuries often have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individual, impacting their entire support network. This narrative holds great importance in helping the jury comprehend the full scope of the case, going beyond the immediate injuries. The story told in opening statements is the starting point for elucidating these aspects, enabling the jury to grasp your client’s essence, values, and how the case has profoundly affected them.

By presenting this well-crafted story in opening statements, you set the stage for the jury’s understanding of your client, their circumstances, and the case’s impact on their lives. This storytelling approach is the foundation upon which all subsequent evidence and arguments will be built. Ultimately, it allows the jury to assess the case holistically when they deliberate and make their final decision on the award. Opening statements play a pivotal role in ensuring that the jury comprehends who your client is, what they stand for, and how the case has significantly shaped their lives.

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