Hiring the Right Attorney
You need the right attorney to obtain a fair settlement amount for your injury-related losses. When working with an attorney, clients hope for a fruitful working relationship that meets their objectives.
Unfortunately, not all law school graduates are as talented and motivated to do the right thing. The perfect attorney should have the right skills and meet your unique needs.
If you feel something is missing, it may be time to part ways with the attorney to protect your interest.
Consider working with a trusted personal injury attorney to obtain legal guidance and support as you file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Signs That Indicate The Need to Fire an Attorney
Communication Breakdown
Maintaining active communication is a sign of a healthy working relationship. Although legal firms are sometimes busy, it should not be an excuse to keep clients in the dark about the case.
It may be time to fire your attorney if they’re not returning your calls or emails within a reasonable time frame.
If You Disagree With Lawyer’s Advice
As a client, you may engage an attorney to obtain legal counsel.
Despite an attorney's knowledge and experience in legal matters, they should consider your wishes. For instance, an attorney can pressure you to reject a settlement offer that you think can cover your injury-related losses.
While they may have legal justification for their advice, an attorney should consider why you may have a different opinion.
Unethical Behavior or Misconduct
It may be time to fire an attorney if they’re involved in the following actions that violate the lawyers’ code of conduct:
- Mismanagement of funds
- Conflict of interest, e.g., representing the at-fault party in a different case
- Asking you to do something illegal or anything that makes you uncomfortable
- Breaching the attorney-client-privilege or confidentiality
- Failing to inform you about the settlement offers
Charging Unreasonable Fees
You’ll sign a contract with an attorney at the start of your engagement, which includes the chargeable fees. More importantly, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, earning a commission from the settlement amount.
Even so, they may charge you additional fees as the case proceeds. While estimating these costs at the onset is impossible, an attorney should charge you a reasonable amount.
The Attorney is Disorganized or Unprepared
Every minute spent on a personal injury case is a sacrifice from your work, family time, or taking care of a child. An attorney should be sensitive to your needs by being prepared and adequately caring for your documents and funds.
An attorney should always have your file ready and prepared to answer your questions.
Obtain Legal Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, you require sufficient compensation to aid your recovery and coping efforts. Therefore, your case deserves representation from a highly skilled and professional attorney.
Consider hiring a professional from Burger Law, recognized in the Missouri Super lawyers® list. Contact us online or at (314) 914-1022 for a free consultation.