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.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Paralegal Degree Programs

star= Staff Recommended Program

starKaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

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AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

starVirginia 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.

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Associate's in Paralegal 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. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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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..

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Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

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Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

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.

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

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

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

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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