Can you change your attorney mid-case?
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, the relationship between an attorney and client is founded upon mutual trust. The relationship is part business agreement, part teamwork, and it requires the communication and maintaining of sensitive and confidential information.
If the mutual trust between you and your attorney has been broken, or you no longer have confidence in your attorney’s ability to successfully handle your case, it’s almost impossible for the two of you to continue to work together.
In these types of situations, the most common complaint centers around communication issues. Many clients complain that they never get the opportunity to speak to the attorney handling their case. Instead, they’re only able to speak with a secretary or receptionist, or a paralegal. Or, they never get a call-back to answer any of their questions or concerns.
Another common complaint among clients is that they’re not receiving information on the status of their case, specifically how it’s progressing. Has the suit even been initiated? What is the timeline for the case? What is the possible monetary value of the settlement?
If your attorney is not responsive to your questions and concerns, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about changing your attorney mid-case.
Careful considerations
Generally speaking, a client has the right to change attorneys mid-case. The relationship that you have with your attorney is the product of a contract for legal services. Therefore, you’re not obligated to stay in a contractual relationship such as this against your will.
However, changing attorneys mid case can be pretty costly as well as fairly stressful. Hiring a new attorney will more than likely require some type of retainer, and he or she will have to spend a considerable amount of time reviewing your case file, which your original attorney is required to return to you along with any property related to the case. Additionally, the new attorney will have to educate his or herself with respect to all of the facts and laws that are relevant to your case.
All of this work on the part of your new attorney will add to your overall legal fees. Therefore, it’s usually a good idea to enter in to conversations with your current attorney, asking questions and expressing your concerns in an attempt to reconcile your differences before making the move to change attorneys mid case.
You first move
If, after discussing your concerns with your current attorney, you still feel that you have the wrong attorney to handle your case or you’re dissatisfied with the service you’re receiving, calling a new attorney is a simple process.
Greg Yates and Michael Shubeck, personal injury attorneys in Rapid City, offer personalized, compassionate advice and counsel and will diligently work to achieve the best possible results for you. They’re well-known for providing top-notch professional services to all of their clients, handling cases promptly and on time, and keeping clients informed and up to date on the all aspects of their case.
Call today to schedule your free consultation.