There’s no shortage of personal injury lawyers in America. Whether on TV, billboards, radio, or in the newspaper, you’ve probably seen countless ads for law firms promising you a big check after your injury. The abundance of firms means it’s easy to find one that will take your case, but not all firms are created equal—and you may not realize that until you’ve already hired one.
Many injury victims have never needed a lawyer before, so they don’t always know what to look for when hiring a firm. But once their claims are underway, they may realize that they don’t feel comfortable with their attorney, or they may feel like their needs aren’t being met or even heard. If that happens to you, you may want to change law firms—but is it that possible mid-case?
Yes—you can change lawyers at any point before your case has settled or been decided in court, but when doing so, it’s important to take the right steps.
5 Reasons to Change Your Lawyer
First, it’s important to clarify why some people want to change their lawyers. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a deeply personal decision, and because getting compensation can be a life-changing outcome for many injury victims, it’s extremely important to ensure your lawyer is the right choice for your family. If any of these red flags come up, it may be time to switch to another firm:
- Lack of communication—Is your lawyer not answer your phone calls or emails? Are you in the dark about the status of your claim, or unsure if it’s even being worked on? This is grounds for getting a new lawyer.
- Lack of comfort—Your lawyer needs to know all the details about your injury and how it has affected your life. If you feel uncomfortable sharing those details with your lawyer for any reason, it may be time to look for a new one.
- Lack of experience—Many law firms will take on almost any case that comes their way, even if they have no experience with it. But experience is everything in personal injury law, so be sure to look for a law firm with a track record of success.
- Lack of professionalism—Do you feel confident in your lawyer’s ability to win your claim? Remember that insurance companies don’t like paying settlements, and if you don’t have confidence in your lawyer, the insurance company likely won’t take them seriously either.
- Lack of compassion—Your lawyer should want to win your claim as badly as you, and not just for a quick payday, but to ensure your family gets the compensation you deserve. If your lawyer treats you like a case number and not a person, get someone else.
Before changing lawyers, bring up any concerns you have with your current lawyer. Your lawyer may not realize that you aren’t happy with their level of client service, and they may address those deficits to better serve you and your family. In addition, they may be able to refer you to another law firm that will better assist you.
How You Should Go About Changing Lawyers
If you decide to change law firms, it’s important to do so as soon as you feel the need. That will give your new lawyer more time to review the facts of your claim and begin working on it according to their own processes.
First, find a new law firm that is willing to take your claim. Ensure that they are on board to assist you with it before you take any further steps. Once you’ve gotten a commitment from the new firm, tell your current lawyer about your plans. Let them know why you’re looking to change law firms and thank them for their service up to this point. From this point forward, proceeding with your new law firm will be similar to proceeding with your previous law firm.
However, things can be different if your lawsuit has already been filed. Because your claim is already in the legal system, you’ll need a copy of all documents you provided your lawyer, as well as your entire case file. Your new attorney can advise you on the paperwork and information they’ll need to move forward with your case.
Free Consultations Make It Easier to Find the Right Lawyer
At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know that hiring a lawyer can be an intimidating process, especially if you’ve never needed one before. You may be tempted to hire the first lawyer who answers your call, and that may be the first lawyer you see on a billboard! But fit, comfort, and care are important, and it’s not easy to discern those from a phone call.
That’s why it’s important to request an initial consultation with any firm you are thinking of hiring. Our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers offer free consultations in which we will discuss your injury with you, learn about your needs, and advise you on your next steps. This meeting can help you become comfortable with us so that you feel more confident moving forward. Contact us today—we’re ready to help.
