How Visual Advocacy Can Strengthen Your Client’s Injury Claim

Injury law is one of the most complex areas of practice. Proving a catastrophic injury in court certainly requires legal knowledge, but that’s just the start. Plaintiffs need lawyers who are natural-born storytellers—the type who can speak to all audiences and also harness the impact of technology and visual aids to prove liability and illustrate the enormity of the injury.

Oatley Vigmond has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and received numerous accolades from the media and the legal community for their signature brand of visual advocacy. Partner Troy Lehman joined Oatley Vigmond 15 years ago after going to trial against the firm and, as courtroom opponent, witnessed the firm’s effective approach to visual advocacy.

He discussed his experiences building on what he learned going up against Oatley Vigmond 15 years ago—that painting a picture in the courtroom is a key to success. Staying on the cutting edge of visual advocacy has allowed Lehman and Oatley Vigmond to achieve outstanding results for clients.

How would you describe your experience doing a case against Oatley Vigmond?

I went to trial against Oatley Vigmond about five years into my career for a serious burn injury case. Unlike my previous trial opponents, the lawyers at Oatley Vigmond truly embraced demonstrative evidence. They effectively used photographs but took it further by producing day-in-the-life videos and medical-legal illustrations to paint a vivid picture of their client’s injuries and his struggles.

I saw the judge transfixed by the video they produced, which showed how this young man’s life was forever changed by the burn – from his daily morning routines and having to apply skin care products to activities where he could no longer participate. It was extremely compelling, and a marked difference from what I had seen from other lawyers.

Oatley Vigmond was so effective in their use of visual storytelling and demonstrative evidence that I was convinced to leave my practice and join the firm.