Can I Fire My Current Attorney and Hire Georgia Trial Attorneys?
Yes You Can! If you are reading this page, you might even be considering switching attorneys right now. That is 100% O.K. Every client has the right to change their attorney at any point during their personal injury case. You don’t even need a “good” reason to do so. You and your attorney will only get one chance to litigate your personal injury claim, in most cases. But once you accept the settlement offer or hear the verdict from the judge or jury, your case is most likely over and done. So you need to have the confidence that your attorney is doing everything in his or her power to get you the settlement you deserve. If you don’t feel this way or are hesitant, then it is time to reconsider your options.
When is it a Good Idea to Switch Attorneys?
Clients fire and hire new attorneys all the time and for different reasons. Some of the most common reasons for firing and hiring a new attorney are:
- Poor Communication: The State Bar of Georgia requires that attorneys should “maintain communication with a client concerning the representation.” An attorney who does not respond to repeated emails, phone calls, or questions can be not only annoying, but ultimately can sabotage your case. No client should have to beg their attorney for information.
- Trust Issues: The attorney-client relationship is built upon mutual trust. You should feel as though your attorney is doing everything in his or her power to maximize your award settlement. That is our job. If this fundamental principle has been called into question, then you may want to reevaluate your current attorney.
- Unprofessional: If your attorney is unprepared for regularly scheduled meetings or phone calls, that is a sign that you may want to consider hiring a new attorney. This type of behavior is indicative of an attorney who misses court dates, fails to prepare for trial and mishandles settlement funds.
- Strategic Issues: You hired an attorney because he or she is supposedly an expert in personal injury cases. You put your trust in this attorney. However, he or she cannot effectively communicate what they are doing and why they are doing it. This is a red flag that you should consider hiring a new attorney. As the client you deserve to know why certain actions are being taken or not and your attorney should ask for your input. Remember, this is YOUR case.
- Your Attorney Has Been Disciplined Or Disbarred: If your attorney has been disciplined or disbarred, you will want to do more than consider finding a new attorney. You will want to make immediate arrangements to have someone else litigate your case.
How Easy Is It To Fire My Attorney?
Unless your attorney has already negotiated and obtain an offer from the insurance company, it is very easy to fire your current attorney and hire a new personal injury attorney. If an offer has been obtained and a lawsuit has been filed, your old attorney may have a claim for his attorneys’ fees on that last offer. If an offer has been obtained and a lawsuit has not been filed, your old attorney technically has a claim for his attorneys’ fees on the last offer – but this is much harder for him to prove. Either way, your new attorney should be skilled to reduce, negotiate or waive this amount.
How Do I Fire My Lawyer?
Let your new attorney handle this process. You should not be expected to fire your current attorney and do all of the leg work – that’s what you hired an attorney for in the first place. Be sure that your new attorney will handle contacting your old attorney and obtaining your entire personal injury file.
Hire Georgia Trial Attorneys Today!
If you are dissatisfied with your current attorney or just want a second-opinion, just pick up the phone and dial 833-4TheWin. Georgia Trial Attorneys have the resources help repair your shattered life and maximize your compensation. Every consultation is confidential and free. Clients comes to us every week from a number of different law firms. We take over their case, communicate with them and get the results that the first, second, or even third attorney failed to obtain. Call Today!