Is It Possible To Change Attorneys During a Personal Injury Case?

There may come a time during your personal injury case when you want to switch up your lawyer. There could be several reasons for this, such as feeling like they are not listening or communicating with you. If you aren’t getting updates from your attorney, or you think they don’t have the right experience, or if you feel like they keep making mistakes, then a change might be what is best for everyone. 

Sometimes clients feel that their attorneys are not putting everything into advocating on their behalf. This happens when a client thinks there are other options to pursue that the lawyer won’t consider. In some cases, a change isn’t anyone’s choice at all. Sometimes a lawyer will pass away or get sick in the middle of their cases. 

However, the question is whether or not you are allowed to make a change in the middle of a case. The easy answer to this question is “yes, typically”.  While there is always the chance that a Court may not permit your lawyer to withdraw or for you to fire him or her, typically you can change your attorney whenever you want for any reason. Ethically, your attorney cannot stop you from doing so. If you are hesitant to make a change because you think it will be complicated or will damage your case, then don’t be.  You need to make sure that you are comfortable with the attorney that represents you.  While switching lawyers is not always easy, you need to do what you believe is right for your case, especially if you are unable to work with your lawyer.  

Do I Have to Switch If I Contact Another Lawyer? 

Talking to an attorney does not mean that you have to hire them. As a client, you are able to talk to as many attorneys as you want about your case until you find one that you think will be right for you. Don’t be shy about asking questions and getting other opinions. You won’t know how you fit with someone unless you try. 

Whatever your reason, if you feel like your current attorney is not right for you, then you should make a change. Dealing with a personal injury case is stressful, and there’s the added component of your own personal healing and recovery. You need to be confident that your legal team is working for you, even when you are occupied with other things. 

What Does it Cost to Switch Attorneys? 

In most cases, there is no cost to switch an attorney.  While the attorney being fired may have a lien against any recovery, your new attorney may be able to work out an agreement with your former attorney that allows for the fee being charged (likely a contingency) to stay the same among the lawyers.  And, if your former attorney incurred expenses, they were hopefully used for things that will not need to be replicated by your new attorney.  So, in short, if you are wishing to change your lawyers, you should not let the fear of cost get in the way.  You should, though, try to figure out what any additional costs might be before making a change so that you make an informed decision.  

What Affect With Changing Attorneys Have On My Case? 

Outside of potentially needing a continuance for the new lawyer to get up to speed, the act of switching your attorneys should not have a material effect on your case. If you think your current lawyer isn’t doing the job you want, then it is worth it to change things up. However, if you think that changing has the potential to harm your case, then you should not make the switch. If your case is already going sideways, and you have the potential to have a lawyer on your side with more experience and skill, then do not hesitate to change, because the longer it goes on, the worse it will likely get. The right lawyer drastically increases the chances of you having a successful result, so don’t overthink it. 

How Difficult Is It to Switch Lawyers? 

If you decide to change lawyers, then there is very little extra work you will need to do. Your responsibility is to find one that you think is better-suited to your case. After that, your new lawyer will take the reins. They will get the appropriate files from your previous lawyer, and start working on your case right away. The process itself is very simple once you’ve made the selection of your new attorney. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Change

Change is hard, and a personal injury case might be one of the most significant moments in your life. Changing your representation sounds stressful, but if you are unsatisfied and think it is negatively affecting your case, then you should make the change. Personal injury laws are complicated, and if you don’t have someone on your side that is dedicated to protecting our rights and getting you the compensation you deserve, then you will not be satisfied with the results. 

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a slip, trip, or fall, a car accident, or any other personal injury incident in the State of Maryland or the District of Columbia, then contact Henderson Law right away. If you already have representation but are not satisfied, then call Henderson Law. We have knowledgeable, experienced, and committed personal injury attorneys who will protect your rights and get you the compensation that you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.