Deciding to switch personal injury attorneys can be a difficult one. You want to make sure you are making the right choice and getting everything you need from your attorney.
Here are six things to consider before changing attorneys:
The Reason for the Switch
You first need to consider why you want to switch attorneys. If it is because you feel like your case isn’t moving forward, be sure to talk to your attorney about this before making a decision. There could be an excellent reason for the delay.
If you are not happy with how your attorney communicates with you, that is also a valid reason to switch. You should feel like you are a priority to your attorney and that they are keeping you updated on the status of your case.
Finally, it might be time for a change if you don’t feel like you have a good rapport with your attorney. It’s important to feel like you can trust and confide in your attorney.
The Cost
You will likely have to pay a new attorney a retainer fee, and you might also have to pay your old attorney for any work they have already done on your case. Be sure to ask both attorneys about their fees and get an estimate of how much the total cost will be to switch attorneys.
It would help if you also considered whether or not you will be able to get a refund from your old attorney. In some cases, you might be able to get at least part of your retainer fee back.
The Timeline
If you are close to a trial date, switching attorneys might not be wise. You will need to give your new attorney time to get up to speed on your case, and they might not be able to start working on it immediately.
The Experience
When finding the best law firm for personal injury cases, find one with experience with cases like yours. If you have a complex case, you will want an experienced attorney to handle those cases. The same goes if you have a rare condition, or your case will likely go to trial.
You can ask your old attorney for recommendations or look for an attorney with the specific experience you need. The experience of the attorney you choose is essential, but so is the experience of their staff. Be sure to ask about the staff’s qualifications and how long they have worked with the attorney.
Their Availability
If they are in high demand, they might not have the time to dedicate to the case you need. Ask about the attorney’s caseload and how much time they will be able to spend working on your case.
The Location
If you live in a rural area, you might need to travel a long distance to meet with your attorney. Travelling can be time-consuming and expensive. On the other hand, if you live in a city, there are likely many attorneys to choose from, and you won’t have to travel as far to meet with them.
These are just a few things you must consider before switching personal injury attorneys. Be sure to research and ask lots of questions before making a decision. Your case is important, so you want to be sure you are making the best decision for yourself and your situation.
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