You can change lawyers in the middle of a personal injury case. If your current lawyer doesn’t meet your expectations, you can explore your options. They might fail to answer your phone calls or push you to accept unfair deals. You do not have to accept this treatment.
Depending on how far along your case is, you might have to pay some fees. However, these fees could be covered if you win compensation for your losses.
Why Would You Change Lawyers?
You do not necessarily need a reason to change lawyers. You can oversee your case as you see fit. That said, you may change lawyers because:
- You do not believe your lawyer is familiar with the practice area.
- Your lawyer has proven to be incompetent.
- You are not comfortable with your lawyer.
- You do not believe your lawyer is dedicating sufficient time to your case.
- Your lawyer doesn’t respond to your phone calls or emails.
Whatever your reasoning is, you can change lawyers in the middle of a personal injury case.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
You Might Have to Pay Some Fees
Even if you change lawyers, you might have to pay them for their time and efforts. If your case is just beginning, you might not have to pay anything. Yet, if your case has been unfolding for some time, this may not be the case.
Additionally, when you signed your contingency-fee agreement, there might have been some stipulations about what happens if you change representation. This varies on a case-by-case basis and may not apply to you.
You have rights under Georgia’s Rules of Professional Conduct. You have every right to hire a lawyer if you’re not satisfied with your quality of service.
Talk to Your Lawyer First Before Making a Decision
Every good professional relationship is based on communication. If you have problems with your quality of representation, talk to your current lawyer first. Tell them about your concerns and how your expectations aren’t being met.
Doing so could actually work to your advantage. If you decide to change lawyers, they can’t say you didn’t warn them first.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
What Should You Look for in a Lawyer?
If you are changing lawyers, you should know what to look for in your new attorney. When it comes to personal injury cases, you want a lawyer who:
- Has experience in your specific case area
- Has a track record of results
- Shows an interest in your case
- You are comfortable with
Utilize free consultations to determine your comfort level with a lawyer and their firm.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What Should Your Lawyer Do for You?
Your lawyer should generally:
- Protect you from insurance companies and the other party’s attorneys
- Keep you updated about your case
- Seek the maximum amount of compensation available
- Handle every part of your case
If you decide to change lawyers, you should know what our firm will do for you. Our team will:
Understand Your Case
We will become familiar with your case. Our team will do this by:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Investigating the circumstances that caused you harm
- Gathering evidence
- Gathering documentation of your losses
- Speaking with you and your loved ones
- Requesting information from your former lawyer
We will learn the ins and outs of your case. This will position us to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Protect You
Your lawyer is your primary advocate after you get hurt. Your attorney should protect you by:
- Dealing with all insurance-related matters
- Dealing with other attorneys
- Alerting you to lowball compensation offers
- Representing you in legal and insurance-related matters
- Protecting you from harmful acts and statements
Our firm will protect you at all costs.
Complete Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Our firm will handle the day-to-day duties of your case. This includes:
- Completing case-related phone calls
- Completing case-related paperwork
- Filing documents
- Monitoring the progress of your case
You do not have to worry about your legal matters. Our team will handle your claim from start to finish.
Seek Full Compensation
Your lawyer should seek total compensation for your losses. You may receive compensation through:
- Insurance negotiations
- Mediation
- A judgment in civil court
The American Bar Association (ABA) explains that most civil cases end with settlements. Your lawyer should consider all potential paths to compensation. That is what our team will do.
Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
The cost of legal aid is important. For personal injury cases, a lawyer should charge nothing up front or out of pocket to begin work on your case.
In fact, our firm only charges a fee if we win your case. We receive a percentage of your judgment or settlement. If you do not receive compensation, neither do we.
The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer Today
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the injury. Not only is time limited to file your case, but:
- Your new lawyer will need time to familiarize themselves with your case.
- Exchanging information with your former attorney could take time.
- Changing lawyers does not extend Georgia’s statute of limitations.
While there are some exceptions to the two-year deadline, acting quickly could ultimately protect your legal rights.
Call Kaine Law Today
We have multiple decades of experience. Our team will fight for fair financial recovery. Call Kaine Law today at (404) 214-2001 for a free consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
