Can You Change Lawyers without Paying Twice?

There is a lot on the line in a personal injury case. The attorney you hire to help you pursue compensation must be on your side, working hard to support you through this legal process. But what if you do not agree with them or feel they are doing you justice? Can you change lawyers without paying twice?

This is a very good question because many people believe they are locked into an agreement with an attorney and cannot get out of it. There are some situations where you may owe the attorney a fee, but there is also no reason to hold back on making the switch when it fits your situation.

An Atlanta car accident attorney at John Foy & Associates can provide you with very specific information about your case. We encourage you to set up a free consultation – there is nothing to pay for it – to discuss your case at length with us.

Can You Change Lawyers in a Personal Injury Case?

You have the right to switch attorneys whenever you deem it necessary to do so. This can be due to a failure to communicate, not agreeing with their decisions, or simply because you do not like or trust the attorney. You can and should be able to make a switch at any time.

You will not have to pay twice for services. However, the other attorney is entitled to compensation for the services they provided to you. For example, they may be entitled to compensation for any work they do in helping you to obtain compensation for your losses. 

However, you are not going to have to pay twice the fees for making the switch.

Should You Switch Personal Injury Attorneys?

There are many reasons people change attorneys during a personal injury case. You may have one of these reasons, or you may be looking for a new attorney for many other situations.

• The attorney stopped responding to you or never really communicated with you after your initial consultation.
• You cannot get in to see the attorney. They seem to always be booked with limited access.
• The attorney is not professional, is rude to you or others, or lacks experience, and you know that is going to impact the outcome of your case.
• The attorney cannot provide you with a legal strategy. They are not offering any insight into what your legal options are.
• You cannot understand why the attorney is making certain decisions about your case. You may be confused, but you may also be simply unsure of what to do moving forward. A Georgia legal malpractice case might be a route to take in this situation.
• Your attorney is not someone you trust. This is such a big step in your future that you absolutely need to ensure that you have the support you need.

If you were hurt and suffering from an illness, but your doctor was too busy, did not return your phone calls, or told you to engage in some type of treatment that was not helpful, you would likely switch doctors. Make the decision to switch attorneys just as easily.

What Should You Do Before You Change Attorneys?

Being frank for a moment, consider that not every client is going to pair up well with every attorney. Differences in opinions, timelines, and goals could interfere with an attorney’s ability to meet your needs. If you decide it is time to find another attorney, simply make the switch.

There are a few things you can do to ensure that this transfer goes well, though.

Let the Attorney Know

Call the current lawyer and inform them that you made the decision to switch providers. You may be able to tell them why, or you may be unsure that you wish to share that information. Often, it is best to be clear and transparent, so let them know what they did wrong.

Do Some Research

Again, there is a lot at stake here, so you want to be sure that you are working with someone that has experience. Research other attorneys that may offer the qualities that you want and need. At this point, you already know what you do not want.

When you set up a free consultation, then, make sure to communicate those concerns with the potential new attorney. That way, you avoid those complications moving forward. Review client testimonials to get a feel for how the attorney represented someone else in a similar situation.

Look for an attorney who:

• Has experience in the specific area of personal injury you are in need of help with
• Find out if they have solid testimonials and reviews from clients they have worked with
• Learn about the history of cases they have that are like yours
• Find out if they have helped others in cases like your own to receive compensation
• Be sure you like their personality or feel a connection with them

Consult with Several Attorneys

You can talk to several different attorneys to find one that fits your goals. Just remember that time is not always on your side. Make it a priority to find someone that you feel comfortable with and can work through that offers the type and level of service you need. 

Talk to a few providers to make sure that you find someone you feel good about working with moving forward. Every situation is vastly different. However, the best personal injury attorney for you is one that believes in your case and has the time, experience, and know-how to help you to win it. 

You should never feel as though you have to settle for an attorney that does not offer the guidance and support you need.

Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Team to Learn How We Can Help You

At John Foy & Associates, we are committed to providing clear, responsive legal services to our clients. We listen to our clients. If you are thinking about switching attorneys, set up a consultation with us to get more insight into what your legal rights are and what you can expect by working with us. 

We welcome you to reach out for a free consultation to get the information you need about your personal injury case.