What Should You Wear For Your Personal Injury Court Case?

Although your personal injury case will largely be judged based on its merits, your appearance can help bolster your side before a judge or jury. So, what should you wear or not wear? And why is it important? Here are a few do's and don'ts for any plaintiff or defendant.

Do Be Conservative 

In general, the goal of court dress and grooming is to be conservative. While a suit is best for court, at least try to wear what you might wear to church or a social event with your boss. This leaves a lot of room for personal taste and style, but it makes you look more professional—and more reliable or trustworthy, which are keys to your case.

Don't Flaunt Jewelry

Leave most of your jewelry at home. Instead, select only two or three items at most. There are two key reasons for this. First, noisy or clanking jewelry is a distraction, and you don't want the jury to be distracted at the wrong times. Second, a lot of jewelry may make you seem wealthier than you appear, which may undermine your case. 

Do Cover Tattoos

Modern judges and juries aren't opposed to tattoos, but it's still a good idea to minimize excessive tattoos. As with jewelry, tattoos can distract jurors at the wrong times. They may also give an unspoken impression that you're not to be taken as seriously as you would otherwise be. 

Don't Forget to Brush

Good hygiene is important on court days. It's a stressful time, so you're likely to feel a little sticky and nervous, so start out as clean and fresh as you can. Again, this makes you appear to care about your case and to be an upstanding citizen in front of the jury. 

Do Get a Haircut

About two weeks before your court appearance, schedule a hair trim. Clean up your beard or mustache too. People with long hair should consider tying it back to appear more business-like. 

Jurors will judge much of your case on their impressions of you and what you say, so it's good if they can see your face and the truth in it. This also helps reduce any tendency to fidget with your hair or facial hair during the trial. 

Where to Get More Tips

Your personal injury attorney is a key resource in deciding how to present yourself during all aspects of your accident case. Contact a local personal injury lawyer to learn more. 

Share