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Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Drop Your Case Once a Contract is Signed?
Jessica Nix • Apr 24, 2023
Personal injury lawyers specialize in helping individuals who have suffered harm due to another person's negligence or intentional wrongdoing. They provide legal representation and advocacy to help clients recover compensation for damages incurred due to another party’s actions, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
When a personal injury lawyer agrees to take on a case, they typically sign a contract with the client known as a retainer agreement. This agreement outlines the terms of the attorney-client relationship, including the lawyer's fees and scope of representation as well as the responsibilities of both the lawyer and the client. Once both parties sign the retainer agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract.
There are rare scenarios in which a personal injury attorney may decide to drop a client’s case. Even with a retainer agreement in place, an attorney is not necessarily obligated to represent a client for the duration of a case.
Why Might an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney Decide to Drop Your Case?
There are several situations where a lawyer may be able to drop your case in the state of Georgia. Some examples include:
- Lack of merit may make it difficult for an attorney to successfully proceed in a case. Personal injury cases can often be expensive to pursue, and lawyers typically work on a contingency basis — meaning they only receive payment if their client wins a settlement or verdict. If an attorney determines that a client’s case is likely to be unsuccessful, they may feel forced to drop it. However, it’s important to know that many initially difficult cases have been successfully negotiated or litigated with the use of effective investigation and strong evidence. If an attorney drops your case because they don’t think you have a chance to win, you may want to seek a second opinion.
- Communication issues may cause a personal injury attorney to drop a case. If a client is unresponsive or difficult to work with, it can hinder a lawyer's ability to effectively represent them. Similarly, if a lawyer is unresponsive or fails to keep their client informed about the progress of their case, it can lead to frustration and a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship. You are also entitled to seek representation elsewhere if you believe your attorney is not giving your case their all.
- Conflict of interest is another reason why a personal injury attorney might decide to drop a case. Lawyers are under ethical obligations to avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their representation of a client. For example, if a lawyer discovers that they have a personal or professional relationship with an opposing party or witness, they may need to withdraw from the case.
- Failure to follow/adhere to legal instructions is enough of a reason for a personal injury attorney to drop a case. Lawyers rely heavily on clients to heed instruction and provide accurate information pertaining to their case. If a client does not follow a lawyer's instructions, it can significantly impact the chances of success — making it impossible for an attorney to effectively represent them.
- Missed deadlines can quickly compromise the success of a case, which may force a personal injury attorney to drop a client’s case. Personal injury cases often have strict deadlines that must be met in order to pursue legal action. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. If you believe your attorney missed deadlines and compromised your claim, you may want to consult with a malpractice attorney.
- Misleading or dishonest behavior is another reason why a personal injury attorney might decide to withdraw from a case. Ethically, lawyers should only take on cases that have merit and do not present false information to the court. If a lawyer discovers that a client has provided false information or otherwise acted unethically, it can impact the attorney's ability to represent the client effectively.
Trustworthy, Ethical Personal Injury Representation in Atlanta, Georgia
If your personal injury case was dropped by a previous lawyer, that doesn’t mean your case is without merit. Our personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix have decades of combined experience recovering compensation for clients in the Atlanta area.
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligent, reckless or intentional actions, you deserve compensation. Contact us at (404) 588-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and have filed a claim, what happens next is critical. According to The Law Dictionary, 95% of civil cases settle at some stage. What will make or break the case for your future is having a seasoned attorney by your side to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. A personal injury lawyer knows the ins and outs of dealing with reluctant insurers and can drag them to court if necessary. Once you reach that point, their expertise can be the key to unlocking the maximum restitution you’re entitled to. Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming, but having the right legal team makes all the difference. The Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix has a proven track record and in-depth understanding of personal injury law. We deliver more than just legal representation; we give you a strategic advantage. Read on to discover just how consequential having a skilled Atlanta attorney is after an accident and how they can secure maximum compensation for you and your family. Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Finding your way forward after an accident can feel like walking blindfolded through a maze. You’re drowning in medical bills, you can’t work, and you may be having conflicts at home from all the stress. An experienced personal injury attorney can cut through all the noise and show you the crucial legal steps to take. Personal injury lawyers bring a wealth of relevant knowledge to the table. They know how insurance companies argue and stall. They also have negotiation strategies that bring them to heel so you can focus on recovery. Top 5 Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta Personalized Legal Strategy An adept lawyer devises a specific strategy to win your case. Higher Compensation Having astute legal representation typically results in substantially higher compensation. Complex Case Management Being represented by a personal injury attorney in complex cases is absolutely indispensable. These cases typically involve intricate legal procedures. No Upfront Costs Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Peace of Mind Leaving the fight to a legal professional vastly reduces stress and offers the emotional support you need in this difficult time. Common Injuries Where an Attorney is Crucial Certain accidents that result in life-altering consequences like severe neck and head injuries, paralysis, or wrongful death make having an attorney essential. Incidents involving Uber/Lyft accidents or workplace injuries can become messy to deal with on your own. What Will It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney? The vast majority of personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. If they don’t win your case, you pay nothing. This proves that by taking your case, they are confident of success and will work diligently to win. Personal Injury Compensation FAQs Q. Should I get a lawyer for a minor injury? A. Many clients believe they can win these types of cases on their own, and they may be right. However, they often need to negotiate for what they really deserve before taking the first settlement offered. That’s where having a personal injury attorney makes all the difference. Q. How much is my personal injury case worth? A. The answer depends on how severe your injuries are, their impact on your quality of life, and your prospects for recovery. Your personal injury lawyer can provide a detailed assessment of your case's worth. Q. Can a lawyer get me more money for my pain and suffering? A. Your lawyer is a skilled negotiator who knows all the tricks insurance companies play. While pain and suffering damages require specialized tactics to maximize, it’s all in a day’s work for an experienced legal expert. Q. How do personal injury lawyers increase settlement amounts? A. Your attorney will interview you to grasp all the details of your case and then collect comprehensive proof. They may consult experts to testify on your behalf or use legal precedents. If necessary, they can also threaten litigation to gain leverage and reach a higher settlement without going to court. Want to Learn More? Contact the Best Personal Injury Firm in Atlanta The team at Rickard, Drew & Nix has seen firsthand the transformative impact of a skilled legal ally. Our clients can attest to our dedication and commitment to their future financial security and how tough we fight for their rights. We can do the same for you, and we will. Contact Us You only get one chance for rightful compensation. Make it count by contacting our knowledgeable team today for a free consultation with a personal injury expert. We’ve got your back, Atlanta, and we’ll prove it.
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