In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Derek Hays shares his compelling journey from a career in advertising and animation to a life devoted to personal injury law. Drawing on values from his upbringing in a preacher’s family, Derek reveals how empathy and sympathy became the cornerstone of his practice, enabling him to connect deeply with clients and juries alike. Derek recounts pivotal cases, from representing a single mother managing disability care while injured, to standing by a family devastated by a trailer fire that took the life of a young child. His narrative showcases his commitment to unearthing every detail to advocate fully for his clients’ lives and stories.
In his “Closing Argument,” Derek stresses the importance of truly knowing clients, beyond the facts of their injuries. He emphasizes the necessity of storytelling to convey the full impact of clients' experiences, particularly against efforts by insurance companies to depersonalize victims. Through meticulous case preparation, Derek explains how he brings clients' humanity into the courtroom, allowing juries to truly connect and understand the depth of loss or injury faced.
Key Takeaways
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