• Paralegal Specializations
• Paralegal Programs by State

How to Become a Personal Injury Paralegal

Earning a certification in paralegal studies or an associate degree is the best way to gain entry into this competitive profession. Neither is required in almost all states, but the training and education would grant a competitive edge and give a head start in the field. An associate degree is usually two years, and a certification is shorter but more intensive. It may require a bachelor’s degree depending on the program, but some do not. Additional courses can be taken in both the area of litigation as well as personal injury, and would prepare you for this specialized area of law.

Job Description and Duties of a Personal Injury Paralegal

Personal injury paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney, but their range of responsibilities is expanding as attorneys delegate more and more work to them in an effort to be more cost-effective. Furthermore, as they gain more experience, the scope of a personal injury paralegal’s duties can also grow, though they are legally forbidden from the actual practice of law, including giving legal advice. Personal injury is a specialty of litigation that focuses on a person’s injury or accident caused by another party, and it shares many of the same duties as a litigation paralegal.

A personal injury paralegal may specialize in plaintiff personal injury or defendant personal injury. Some duties of a plaintiff personal injury paralegal will include reviewing relevant state laws on personal injury, interviewing clients about their injuries, gathering medical reports, getting insurance information from the defendant, and assisting in preparing settlement demands. They will need to be familiar with litigation, have good personal skills, as well as have a handle on some basic medical terminology.

Defense personal injury paralegals assist in defending the person accused of negligence or causing the accident, and often work for insurance companies. Their duties could include interviewing their clients, reviewing reports by witnesses or police, making appointments for medical examinations, determining the extent of damage covered by the insurance policy, along with other basic litigation duties.

According to Legal Assistant Today's 2007 Paralegal Salary Survey, Personal Injury Paralegals - Plaintiff made an average annual salary of $47,680 and Personal Injury Paralegals - Defense made an average annual salary of $38,465. These numbers will vary by geographic location, firm, experience, education and other factors but offer an idea of what salary range to expect.

Research the paralegal programs and accreditation information below. These programs can help you get the necessary training to start a career as a personal injury paralegal. Request information from the programs that meet your needs.

Paralegal Degree Programs

= Staff Recommended Program

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Legal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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