You have the right to hire any attorney you want at any time.
When you retain the services of a personal injury attorney in Virginia, you want them to advocate for you and do everything they can to get the best resolution possible. If you are not satisfied with the work being done, you should find new legal counsel sooner rather than later.
Why People Want to Change Attorneys
People often hire a personal injury lawyer while they are still in the process of recovering. The reasons why a client might become dissatisfied with their lawyer vary considerably, but they may determine that your initial choice is not meeting their expectations.
The attorney assigned to your case may seem too busy or uninterested when you call to find out what is happening. You may spend more time speaking to receptionists, administrators, paralegals, and junior associates who have little knowledge or authority, which can be very frustrating.
If it’s been a year or so since your accident and nothing has happened with your case, you could be having serious financial difficulties from lost wages. This is extremely stressful and can distract you from getting better.
Find the Right Representation
Think back for a minute. How did you find your current attorney that you’re unhappy with? Maybe they were the first lawyer you spoke to or they are someone you had a previous relationship with and thought could handle a personal injury matter.
A better approach is to identify attorneys who specialize in this field and put each through a thorough vetting process. You don’t want to end up with an ‘ambulance chaser’ who might use unscrupulous tactics to acquire new clients and churn fees.
Remember, you can change attorneys at any juncture, for any reason, without any penalties or additional financial burdens.
Visit the Attorney in Person, if Possible
A visit to the attorney’s office may offer invaluable insights into their success. You can see firsthand just how professional everyone is in the office and what the level of activity is in the firm.
Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t be shy about asking questions. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Have you handled cases like mine?
- What is your track record with these cases?
- What is the estimated value of my case?
- How long do you expect it will take to have a resolution or a trial?
- Is early settlement an option, and how would it impact my case’s value?
- Which lawyer will be assigned to my case?
- How often and how will I hear from you?
- How do you get paid? What if the insurance company won’t settle?
Get a sense of how the law firm operates by reviewing its website and online reviews, testimonials, and comments from previous clients. Also, do some research on independent websites (e.g., the Virginia State Bar).
If you’re getting a divorce, you’ll want to know if personal injury settlements are marital property.
After you’ve made a decision to change firms, the new attorney will file the appropriate paperwork to formally inform the court and other parties involved that there is a substitution of counsel. They will also send a stop-work letter to your previous attorney to inform them that the matter is now being handled by someone else.
In Summary
When you’ve been injured, you want the best personal injury attorney in Virginia Beach by your side. You have the right to choose your attorney, even if that means making a change midstream.
You have a lot at stake in a personal injury case. Once it is resolved through settlement or court verdict, the matter is closed, and you won’t be able to pursue additional compensation for the same injuries. Therefore, you owe it to yourself to work with a lawyer you trust and who will fight hard to get you what you deserve!
Coastal Virginia Law is committed to securing the best deal possible for our clients. If you are thinking of switching attorneys, rest assured that we are always ready to discuss the details of your case. Call us today for a free consultation.
