Hiring the right personal injury lawyer is crucial for getting a fair settlement for your injuries. But what if you’re unhappy with your current attorney? Can you switch lawyers in the middle of your personal injury case without losing money? 

The short answer is yes, you can switch personal injury attorneys, but there may be some financial implications depending on the fee arrangement. Here’s what you need to know about changing lawyers for your personal injury claim.

You Have the Right to Switch Attorneys

As the client, you have the right to choose who represents you in your personal injury case. If you’ve lost faith or trust in your current lawyer, you are well within your rights to find new legal counsel better suited to handle your claim. 

But you may be wondering, will I lose money if I switch personal injury attorneys?

Contingency Fee Cases

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case by securing a settlement or court award.

Their fees come as a percentage (usually 33-40%) of your total compensation.

If you switch attorneys in the middle of a contingency fee case, your new lawyer will likely have to pay your former lawyer a portion of the contingency fee based on the amount of work they did on your case originally. This prevents you from having to pay any additional legal fees out-of-pocket.

Hourly Fee Cases

In some personal injury cases, lawyers charge an hourly rate instead of a contingency fee. If you had this type of fee arrangement, you may have to pay your original attorney for the hours they worked before you terminated them. Your new lawyer would then pick up the case going forward under a new fee agreement.

Potential Drawbacks of Switching 

While you have the right to change legal representation, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Delay in your case as the new lawyer gets up to speed
• Having to re-explain all the details of your accident and injuries  
• Potential disagreement with your former lawyer over their share of fees
• If the case is close to court, a judge may not allow a last-minute attorney switch

Will I Lose Money if I Switch Personal Injury Attorneys?

The most important thing to remember is that you always reserve the right to change attorneys. While there might be different costs that come along with it, working with a lawyer who has your back should be your top priority.

If you do decide to part ways with your current personal injury attorney, take the time to carefully vet and choose a new lawyer you have full confidence in. Look at their experience, track record, communication skills, and overall approach. Having the right personal injury lawyer is invaluable, so don’t rush into hiring new representation.

Poynter & Bucheri Law Firm is a highly respected personal injury law practice based in Indiana. With decades of combined experience, their team of skilled attorneys specializes in aggressively pursuing maximum compensation for clients who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. 

Contact Poynter & Bucheri Law Firm

Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or other incident causing injury, Poynter & Bucheri has an unparalleled understanding of personal injury law in Indiana. They meticulously investigate every case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take cases to court if needed to get their clients the money they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Poynter & Bucheri personal injury prowess makes them a formidable legal force in Indiana.

At Poynter & Bucheri, we are committed to premier client service and aggressive representation for personal injury victims. If you need to switch attorneys, we would be honored to review your case at no charge.

Contact us today at 1-800-265-9881 to get started with your free case review.