Can I Switch Lawyers in the Middle of a Case in Atlanta, GA?

You can switch lawyers in the middle of a case in Atlanta, GA. You have the right to change your legal representation at any time. Your current attorney cannot force you to keep using their services.

There are a few factors you’ll want to consider to have peace of mind when transitioning between Atlanta personal injury lawyers. Considering your decision from multiple angles can help you secure the legal representation you need.

Can You Switch to a New Lawyer in the Middle of Your Case?

Yes, you can switch to a new lawyer in the middle of a case in Atlanta, GA. If switching attorneys is the best thing you can do for your case, you are well within your rights to seek out new legal representation.

To switch to a new Atlanta, GA, lawyer in the middle of your case, you’ll need to sign a document stating that you no longer want to be represented by your current attorney. Your new lawyer can draft the document and contact your former attorney to let them know you no longer require their legal services.

How Do You Fire a Lawyer in Georgia?

When you decide to switch lawyers during a case in Atlanta, GA, you’ll first need to fire the attorney working on your case. You’ll need to write them a letter informing them that you’re letting them go. According to the law, it must be in writing, so you can’t send them an email or text message.

Your letter doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply let your soon-to-be former lawyer know your intentions and ask for your files. You’ll want to send the letter by certified mail to make sure it gets to the recipient and that it’s clear that you’re firing them as your legal representatives.

Will You Have to Pay Your Former Attorney if You Switch?

A common question that plaintiffs have is, “I had a contingency fee agreement with my former attorney; will I have to pay out of pocket for his or her time?” The answer is, “Absolutely not.” Personal injury attorneys take their fee after a case is resolved. 

If you didn’t receive a payment from the insurance company or damages from a personal injury lawsuit, you won’t have to pay your former attorney a cent.

Why Would You Change Attorneys in the Middle of a Case?

If you aren’t happy with your current lawyer’s services, don’t work well with them, or have found a new attorney, you can change to a different legal team. Injury victims may want to drop their current representation because of:

Issues Regarding Communication

The number one complaint people have about attorneys nationally is that they don’t communicate with their clients or are hard to reach. Most people who switch are unhappy that their lawyer doesn’t inform them about their case or return phone calls.

What can you do if your lawyer isn’t keeping you informed on what’s going on?

If you believe that your lawyer could be making more of an effort to keep you in the loop regarding your case, switching to an attorney with better communication skills could make a world of difference during the claims process.

Concerns About a Lawyer’s Qualifications

Another reason to switch legal counsel in the middle of your case is that you’ve retained your family attorney, and both of you think it’s time to call in a more qualified personal injury professional.

Even if you don’t end up working with the new attorney, getting a second opinion from another legal team can be helpful. Law firms should offer these opinions for free during an initial legal consultation.

You Have Many Options if You Want a New Lawyer

If you’re seeking damages for a physical injury after an accident, you might be overwhelmed by the number of lawyers in your area. According to statistics on lawyers in the United States, the nation is home to more than 1.3 million attorneys.

With that many advocates, you’d think you would be able to find a lawyer you work well with, but sometimes, it takes a few tries. You can find a lawyer that meets your needs by looking for an attorney with experience handling cases like yours and a reputation for success.

Finding a dedicated team to take over from your previous lawyer can help you feel more confident about the outcome of your claim.

Can a Lawyer Quit on You in the Middle of a Case?

A lawyer can quit on you during a case, but it’s much more difficult for them to quit than for you to fire them. In most situations, they will need to get permission from the court to stop working on your case. They’ll also need a good reason to quit on you, such as your refusal to pay or that you committed a crime.

The American Bar Association’s rules on declining or terminating representation encourage lawyers to see out their clients’ cases. Still, sometimes, certain factors may cause your lawyer to leave in the middle of a case. If that happens, you’ll want to prioritize finding a new attorney with what it takes to see your insurance claim or court case through to the conclusion.

Making a smooth transition to a new law firm can help you regain your footing if your first lawyer drops your claim.

Does Switching Lawyers Hurt Your Chances of Getting a Settlement?

Switching lawyers does not automatically hurt your chances of securing a fair settlement after an accident.

In fact, if you are displeased with your current lawyer’s communication skills, services, or lack of experience, finding a new attorney will most likely increase your chances of seeing a positive outcome.

Now that you know what you don’t want or like in an attorney, you’ll be able to find a lawyer who truly works for you. Once you find a representative with the right work ethic, skill set, and track record, there’s an excellent chance they’ll recover a fair settlement from the insurance company that covers your medical bills and any other losses you’ve incurred.

Talk to Us About Switching Lawyers

So, can you switch lawyers in the middle of a case in Atlanta, GA? You have the right to change your legal representation at any point in the legal process. You deserve a personal injury attorney who cares about your personal injury claim and communicates with you.

At John Foy & Associates, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can provide the effective, client-focused representation you deserve. Our team has represented accident victims and other injured people in the state of Georgia for over 20 years. We’re confident that our extensive experience will allow us to recover compensation on your behalf.

If you’re ready to switch lawyers in the middle of your case, the attorneys at our firm are the right choice. We can also handle a personal injury case from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney from our legal team and learn more about our services.