First I needed to locate basic information on TMJ, so I could knowledgeably explain the underlying condition to the court. Then I used various medical sites to substantiate my argument that the insurance plan made the correct decision despite the opposing party's emotionally compelling argument. I downloaded charts, diagrams and descriptions and used them to explain in excruciating detail the heart of the issue. My client was spared hundreds of dollars in expert and research fees because I used the Internet. In just one afternoon's time, I located everything anyone could ever want to know about TMJ, without calling in medical, dental or surgical experts for explanation, purchasing medical books or sending clerks to the library to rifle through medical reference books and articles.
Investigative research is another area where Internet search engines are especially valuable.
For instance, the Internet can be a great tool to use when you are trying to collect on a judgment from another jurisdiction. In the past, this required sending clerks out to the area or employing a private investigator, both at great expense to the firm and client. These search engines provide a person's current address, phone numbers and e-mail addresses and even give you directions to his or her home. Other details are available for a nominal fee, such as place of employment, complete names and aliases and other personal information. Searching through media databases can also help identify information that traditional legal research would not turn up.