There were 227,664 unintentional injury-related deaths in the US in 2022, 46,036 of them caused by motor vehicles and 46,653 caused by falls. If you’ve been injured and someone else is to blame, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. But not all lawyers are equal. Over time, you may realize your current attorney isn’t the right fit. Knowing when to switch lawyers is important so your case doesn’t get derailed.
Here are 5 signs it may be time to find a new personal injury law firm.
1. Poor Communication
One of the most frustrating things when working with a personal injury lawyer is lack of communication. 64% of people quizzed in one study reported that they had contacted a law firm and received no response.
Your calls and emails go unreturned for days or weeks. When you do connect, your lawyer is vague about your case details and next steps. Good lawyers make themselves available, answer your questions clearly, and keep you updated on case progress. If yours doesn’t, it’s time to find one who will.
2. Lack of Experience
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, you probably checked credentials like years of experience, case results, and focus areas. But once hired, you may notice your lawyer lacks meaningful experience handling your specific injury claim type. For example, an attorney who mainly handles auto accident cases may not have expertise with medical malpractice lawsuits. Don’t stick with a lawyer who can’t provide the knowledgeable guidance your case requires.
3. Disorganization
Does your lawyer miss deadlines, show up late, and seem scattered? Disorganization signals they may be juggling too many cases or don’t have support staff to handle administrative tasks – some tort lawyers have to juggle hundreds of cases at a time. Your claim deserves focused attention. If you get the sense your lawyer is overwhelmed or can’t stay on top of details, you’re better off with one who can.
4. Lack of Engagement
The best lawyers are passionate about getting their clients fair compensation. If your attorney seems indifferent, uninterested, or distracted during your interactions, they may not be fully invested in your case. You need an advocate who cares and will fight tirelessly to get you the settlement amount you deserve. Don’t settle for dispassionate representation.
5. Bad Reputation
If you discover your lawyer has a trail of unhappy clients and a poor reputation, proceed with caution. Do some online research and check sites like Yelp and Avvo for client reviews. Ask trusted contacts if they know anything about the attorney’s standing. Lawyers with ethical violations or malpractice claims against them are red flags. Protect yourself and your case by hiring someone respected for quality services.
Switching lawyers mid-case can feel daunting. But staying with one who isn’t serving your needs will only hurt your chances for a favorable claim resolution. Pay attention to these 5 signs to know when it’s time to hire a new personal injury attorney who will provide the attentive, expert representation your case deserves.
