Any time you work with a lawyer, it is important to have a relationship built on trust and quality communication. However, this is especially important when a personal injury case is involved. Personal injury cases involve personal information and are often quite emotional. For this reason, it is best to have a personal injury lawyer with whom you have easy communication and feel comfortable. So, what happens when you are working with a personal injury lawyer that does not fit into that category?
Can I switch personal injury lawyers? Yes, it is possible to switch personal injury lawyers. Whether due to their quality of work, their communication style, or a multitude of other factors, finding a new lawyer may be the best decision. There are, however, a few things to consider before you break up with your personal injury lawyer.
In this post, we will discuss some of the reasons you should switch personal injury lawyers in the middle of your case. We will also share a few of the things you should consider before making the official switch. Navigating this situation wisely will save you time, money, and several awkward conversations.
Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are many reasons why you may find yourself working with a personal injury lawyer. The job of a personal injury lawyer is to represent individuals who have received an injury due to the carelessness or neglect of another person.
Working with a personal injury lawyer in Huntsville is the best way to receive financial compensation for the medical bills, lost income, and other consequences of your accident. Although this compensation will not reverse the negative effects of your injury, it will allow you to pursue a more effective recovery.
As you are likely aware, the matters discussed with your personal injury lawyer will be rather personal and private. Depending on the scope and magnitude of your accident, your case could bring up many emotions. Because of this, it is crucial that you work with a personal injury lawyer with whom you feel comfortable.
Should You Switch Lawyers in the Middle of a Case?
So, what happens if you do not feel comfortable with or confident in the skill of your lawyer? Is it wise to hire a new lawyer to handle your case? In some cases, it is beneficial to switch personal injury lawyers in the middle of a case. Working with a lawyer that you trust and communicate easily will not only save you time but it will also eliminate unnecessary frustration and stress.
There are a few downsides to switching lawyers in the middle of your case. If, for instance, your case is nearing its final stages, switching lawyers could prolong the duration of your case. You may even have to start your case from the very beginning.
Depending on the agreement you have with your current lawyer, and the amount of work that they have accomplished, you will also have to cover any fees or charges out of your own pocket. This amount could be quite high if you are nearing the final stages of your case.
In these types of situations, it may be wise to continue working with your current lawyer, even if you have mild concerns. The exception to this would be if you felt the end result of your case would be dramatically affected by their incompetence.
Reasons to Hire a New Personal Injury Lawyer
Some minor frustrations with your personal injury lawyer are to be expected. However, there are several legitimate reasons to hire a new lawyer, even if you are in the middle of a case.
You Do Not Trust Your Lawyer
Trust and respect are the two most crucial elements of a relationship with your personal injury lawyer. If you do not trust your lawyer, your working relationship is going to be tense. Because your personal injury case contains such a large amount of private information, it is crucial that you trust your lawyer to handle the case appropriately.
Communication With Your Lawyer is Difficult
It is important that your personal injury lawyer is easy to contact. If your lawyer is avoiding your calls, or not responding to emails, it is best to find a new lawyer to complete your case. Clear and convenient communication is one of the best signs of a competent personal injury lawyer.
By providing you with easy communication, a lawyer is sending the signal that you are their top priority. This is a quality you should always search for in a personal injury lawyer. Consistent communication is also a sign of their professionalism and commitment to their work. Without proper communication, their work ethic may be in question.
Your Personalities Are Not Compatible
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you are not looking for a new best friend. Because of this, you may not think that compatible personalities are important. This could not be further from the truth!
You will be spending a significant amount of time communicating and working with your lawyer. If your personalities are compatible, you will have a much easier time communicating with, working with, and trusting your personal injury lawyer. If you do not gel with your current lawyer, it may be best to hire a lawyer with whom you get along.
They Cannot Perform Their Job
It is important to watch for any signs of incompetence or lack of professionalism when you are working with a personal injury lawyer. From small errors such as sloppy emails to more critical mistakes like missed deadlines, signs of incompetence are not always evident from the start.
The personal injury lawyer you are working with will directly impact the outcome of your case. Their incompetence may cause you to miss out on much-needed compensation! If you notice any signs of incompetence that cause you to doubt the ability of your lawyer, it is best to pursue other options.
What to Do Before Switching Personal Injury Lawyers
Before switching personal injury lawyers for any reason, there are a few things you must do. First, review your contract. How much will you have to pay your current lawyer for the fees and services they have performed? Will you violate any part of the contract by terminating the relationship?
Next, it is wise to discuss your concerns with your current lawyer. They may have additional information regarding your case that you are not aware of. Perhaps they will be able to alleviate your concerns or explain their behavior.
Before firing your personal injury lawyer, it is best to reach out to another lawyer in your area. You may find that their approach to your case would be similar, or you may discover that your concerns are validated. Discussing your case with an unbiased party may provide you with valuable insight into the course you should take.
Finally, if you decide to switch personal injury lawyers, it is crucial to put your decision in writing. In many cases, you will have a face-to-face meeting with your lawyer. Even in this situation, provide them with a written notice outlining your decision. This will protect you should the lawyer try to make the switch unnecessarily difficult.
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer in Huntsville
Before you terminate your working relationship with your current personal injury lawyer, it is important to find a new lawyer who will accept your personal injury case. This will ensure that your case continues to progress without any unnecessary delays or challenges.
The Lackey Law Firm is a group of personal injury lawyers in Huntsville. With almost forty years of experience, they know what it takes to provide their clients with optimal results. When you work with any of the lawyers at The Lackey Law Firm, you will feel as if you are working with a close friend.
Because they know that a personal injury case of any kind is a highly personal and emotional affair, they go out of their way to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment. Clear, consistent communication is one of the priorities of this highly experienced legal team.
If you have had a less than ideal experience with your personal injury lawyer, The Lackey Law Firm is ready to serve you! Their personal care and attention to each of their clients is unmatched. They will work tirelessly to provide you with the results you deserve! You can learn more about their unique approach to Huntsville personal injury law here.
Related Questions
Does a personal injury lawyer handle a car accident? Personal injury lawyers deal with any case that involves an injury caused by the neglect or carelessness of another person. While this does not include every car accident, it is likely that your case may fall under the category of personal injury law. No matter the circumstances surrounding your car accident, it is wise to contact a personal injury lawyer for advice on filing a personal injury claim. They will be able to look at the unique facts surrounding your injury and provide you with professional legal advice.