Derek Hays

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

• Client Connection is Crucial: Derek emphasizes that getting to know clients personally — understanding their family, background, and community roles — strengthens the case by making it real for the jury.
• Empathy and Sympathy in Advocacy: He believes a true advocate must empathize with clients’ situations while also feeling genuine sympathy for their struggles to present their stories effectively.
• Uncovering Every Detail: Derek discusses how a diligent approach to evidence and company culture led to revealing substance abuse issues within a trucking company, deepening the case’s impact.
• Human Stories Over Legal Facts: Facts alone don’t suffice; Derek finds that clients' stories must be told authentically so that juries feel the emotional weight of their experiences.
• Countering Insurance Company Tactics: By personalizing clients’ narratives, Derek helps juries see past the insurance companies’ attempts to minimize clients' trauma.

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