Can You Switch Personal Injury Lawyers?
If you are not satisfied with your legal representation, you can usually switch personal injury lawyers at any time and point in your case. Keep in mind that depending on where you are in your case, changing attorneys might cause a delay in processing your claim. Also, you could incur a financial penalty if your original lawyer provided their services with a contingency-fee agreement.
Still, once retained, your new attorney will be able to take matters into hand. These responsibilities include informing your previous representation about the termination of their legal services and organizing how financial arrangements will be decided.
Top Reasons Unsatisfied Clients Change Their Injury Lawyers
Many people are put off at the thought of changing their legal representation as they think it will be a long and stressful process. This is not always the case. You are entitled to switch your personal injury lawyer for whatever reason you wish. However, common causes can include:
Lack of Dedicated Legal Support
Without a dedicated injury team managing your case from start to finish, it can be challenging to know who will keep in touch with you about the progression of your case. Depending on your preference, a lack of individual attention could impact your overall experience and ability to judge a lawyer’s overall commitment to your case.
Concerns About the Quality of Advice and Legal Services You are Getting
The quality of legal representation you receive can significantly impact your recovery, be it positively or negatively. A good attorney-client relationship builds trust. You should always feel comfortable talking with your lawyer and asking questions. This rapport helps promote confidence in the way your case is being managed.
Lack of Communication and Transparency
Whether by letter, telephone, email, or in person, your personal injury lawyer should aim to make it as easy as possible for you to ask questions and get information about your case progression within a reasonable time frame. However, it is a two-way process, so the more information you can provide, the better position your lawyer is in to help you.
Concerns About the Experience, Skills, or Resources Required for Your Case
Personal injuries cases can range from minor to life-changing in gravity. Choosing a lawyer who is the best fit for your needs and expectations is arguably the most critical thing you can do to influence the outcome of your case.
Serious personal injury cases tend to involve larger settlements and are highly complex from a legal standpoint. Therefore, it is vital to trust in your lawyer’s ability to get you the compensation you deserve.
Before choosing who will represent you, it can be beneficial to determine a lawyer’s previous experience dealing with similar cases to yours. Ask how they will support you and your family to move forward with your life. Such services could include arranging access to medical professionals who can help your recovery, for example.
Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
A little time spent researching potential lawyers can be well worth the investment. Having established a law firm’s experience managing personal injury cases, here are a few other good signs you are on the right track:
Negotiation Skills and Trial Experience
Most personal injury cases can be resolved outside of court, so working with a lawyer who can effectively manage the negotiation process is essential. You could ask about previous cases that are similar to yours and how much they settled for, for example.
If you need to move toward a trial, it is important to check that your lawyer can demonstrate previous wins in personal injury cases too.
Positive Client Testimonials and Accolades for Professional Excellence
Referencing client testimonials and online reviews can also help you find an attorney with a positive reputation in your community. In addition, other people’s experiences can help you learn what to expect from a personal injury law firm. They can provide peace of mind about your case being effectively handled.
You can also search for professional honors and awards from reputable legal organizations that store information about law firms and attorneys.
Transparency About Fees and Costs
It can be difficult to fund a personal injury claim, so it is beneficial to check if your lawyer provides legal services on a contingency-fee basis. You should be able to comfortably discuss billing practices and payment of costs with your lawyer. This way, you are fully informed of how much is owed before agreeing to a retainer.
We Vigorously Pursue a Fair Settlement for the Injuries You Have Suffered
The team at the Law Offices of Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP helps people who were injured through no fault of their own to recover fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses caused by the negligence of others. Our professionally recognized attorneys fight for you by focusing on your needs and representing your best interests.
With over a century of cumulative experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered in settlements and verdicts, we work hard to maintain our high levels of client satisfaction. We provide our services on a contingency-fee basis, and our initial consultation is free. To learn more about how we can help, call 866) 878-6774 today.
