Blog Layout

How Do Personal Injury Law Firms Determine if They Can Take Your Case?

Jessica Nix • Feb 13, 2023
law firms

Some Atlanta civil law firms like The Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix focus solely on plaintiff personal injury practice areas — meaning their personal injury lawyers are experts at representing injured people involved in car accidents, workplace accidents, wrongful death and premises liability.


If you have been injured in an accident and you are looking to make a claim or file a lawsuit, an attorney could help determine if you have a strong personal injury case. If so, the attorney may agree to take your case.


However, it’s important to remember that most law firms do not accept every case they are approached with. An attorney can refuse to take your case simply because it is not within their area of experience, they lack the bandwidth or resources to handle your case, or they see a potential red flag that could derail your case.


When you approach a personal injury law firm, keep in mind that plaintiff attorneys work on a contingency basis (meaning they don’t get paid unless they win or negotiate payment in your case). If they feel the odds are stacked against you, they may decline to take your personal injury case.


Three Reasons Why an Attorney Might Refuse to Take Your Personal Injury Case


  1. It will be difficult to win your case.
    Your personal injury attorney will need all pertinent records and information detailing your case before they can make a sound judgment. If after reviewing the facts and analyzing the evidence they discover
    a number of factors that might hinder your case, they may refuse to take it.

    Factors like your credibility, your share of fault for the accident or if you waited to seek medical treatment for your injuries could jeopardize your personal injury case.

  2. You missed the lawsuit-filing deadline.
    Under the statute of limitations, all personal injury cases are subject to deadlines if you wish to file a claim and pursue compensation. While there are a few exceptions, your case will be thrown out if you miss the statutory deadline.

    In the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury or death.

  3. They don’t want to deal with a trial.
    Not every personal injury attorney is an experienced trial lawyer. There’s a certain breed of attorney (especially auto accident lawyers) who look for easy cases that can be quickly turned over for fast payouts. They aren’t necessarily interested in putting in the time and effort necessary to litigate, but they’re more than happy to negotiate for a marginal increase in your claim payment.

    This isn’t always in the best interest of the client, especially if your damages are significant and you are facing a long-term disability, decreased quality of life or have suffered a dramatic loss in earnings potential.

    The team at the Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix will give you an honest assessment of your case. It’s not always clear at the outset exactly how much your case will be worth, but we’ll be happy to explain the factors that may influence your eventual settlement and explain how they may impact your payout.


Do You Have a Personal Injury Case? Schedule Your Free Consultation with The Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix


Whether you were injured in a car accident or have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, it’s important that you seek experienced legal representation committed to doing what’s in your best interest. We don’t shy away from challenging cases and aren’t afraid to take on deep-pocketed insurance companies.


At The Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix, our committed personal injury lawyers will take the time to hear your side of the story and weigh your options before determining if our firm can take your case.

Contact our Atlanta office at (404) 588-1001 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

By Jessica Nix 25 Apr, 2024
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.
holding hand of someone who died in hospital
By Jessica Nix 22 Nov, 2023
Atlanta personal injury attorneys, RDN Legal, explains the potential available damages in a wrongful death claim. For more information, schedule an appt. today.
woman mourning child
By Jessica Nix 13 Nov, 2023
Atlanta personal injury attorney, RDN Legal, provide teh crteria and procedures for bring a wrongful death lawsuit to trial. For more infomration, call today!
More Posts
Share by: