Online databases can be invaluable, time-saving tools to any legal researcher as they provide organized access to a wide array of legal resources as well as sophisticated search tools. Many online databases, including fee-based databases, are available at the Law Library, free of charge, to library patrons. This month, the blog will feature six of the online databases available at the Law Library.
Are you looking for assistance with case valuation (i.e., what is the amount of money that you can reasonably expect in damages)? Then look no further because the Law Library subscribes to VerdictSearch, an online database for verdict and settlement research. VerdictSearch at the Law Library provides users with access to federal and state cases from Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. Search results may assist you with your trial research and strategy development.
How do I search on VerdictSearch? You can search by keywords (e.g., “car accident”) and then use any of the following filters:
- Type of Injury (e.g., back, neck, head)
- Venue (state and/or federal)
- Case type (e.g., motor vehicle, insurance, wrongful death)
- Award Type (e.g., verdict-plaintiff, settlement, mediated settlement)
- Date Range (any range from 1988 to 2015)
- Award Amount (e.g., less than $10,000, $10,000 to $100,000)
You can further refine their searches by plaintiff type (e.g., age, gender), expert name, attorney name, judge name, and insurance carrier. Once you have your results, VerdictSearch’s document delivery includes printing and email (PDF and Word).
Can I access VerdictSearch at the Library? Yes! The Law Library offers FREE, in-person access to VerdictSearch on a designated computer in our computer room. Please come to the service desk to request assistance in accessing VerdictSearch.
What to do if you need help with VerdictSearch? Please ask for help at the Law Library’s service desk. We can provide technical and research assistance.
Can I access the Law Library’s VerdictSearch subscription from home? No. The Law Library’s current subscription permits in-person use at the library only.
*This blog post is an update of a blog post previously published on December 22, 2014.
AACPLL Blog: Law Library News 