When you’ve been injured and are starting the process of obtaining the compensation you deserve for serious injuries that resulted from an injury, having the right lawyer on your side can be a game changer. Because the settlement can vary drastically from case to case, it’s important that you have a lawyer who is an expert in the law and can help you get the result you deserve. As a client, you absolutely have the right to change attorneys if you feel that you would benefit from working with someone else. While changing attorneys can feel complicated and like a daunting process, it could make a world of difference in the outcome of your case.
Signs it’s time to look for another attorney
There are a few signs that you may experience when working with your attorney where you start to feel like they might not be the “best” lawyer for you. One telltale sign that you may want to start looking elsewhere is when you start to notice a lack of communication. It can result in an uneasy feeling if you call your lawyer and end up only speaking to their secretary or notice that the answer is always vague when you ask about your case.
Another sign is a lack of clarity. Clients hire lawyers because they are the experts and are well-versed in navigating all legal paperwork. If your lawyer is simply providing you with documents but not explaining next steps or calling out important pieces of information, that can be frustrating and overwhelming. If at any point you feel disconnected from your case, like you have lost control of the situation, or like your attorney is pushing you to settle unfavorably, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Your rights as a client
Some people are hesitant to look for a different lawyer while their case is under way even though working with a different lawyer could result in dramatically improved service. It’s important to know that changing lawyers will not hurt or delay your case in any way and you are free to change attorneys at any time for any reason. You should also note that even if you signed a Retainer Agreement you are free to change lawyers and you will not be required to pay more legal fees.
The process of changing attorneys
The process is quick, simple, and painless to change attorneys. Here’s how it works:
- First, you’ll need to sign a “Change of Attorney” form which states that you want to change from your current lawyer to a new one.
- The new lawyer will then send a form to your current lawyer requesting a statement of their case expenses.
- From there the new lawyer reimburses the current lawyer for their expenses and together they work out a division of the one-third legal fee up front or at the conclusion of the case.
- The new lawyer then picks up your file and will advise involved insurance carriers that they have taken over your case.
Every step of the way, your new attorney will handle any dealings with your current lawyer. They will ensure all paperwork involving the switch is taken care of and if your current lawyer has performed legal work on your case, your new lawyer will make sure they are fairly compensated for their services.
Mark T. Freeley believes in full transparency and always makes a point to tell his clients early on that they have the right to change attorneys at any point. He does this because he believes in the work that he does and always approaches every client with the same mantra, “If I treat them the way I would want to be treated, they will always be happy anyway.”
If you are unhappy with your current personal injury attorney and are looking for someone who will do everything to ensure the best possible outcome for your case in a fast and efficient manner, it may be time to reach out to Mark. Give him a call at 631-495-9435 to discuss your case and give yourself peace of mind that you’re taken care of.
