Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so ending the attorney-client relationship poses certain challenges. In a contingency fee contract, the lawyer is paid a percentage of the final payout, which means he or she will not receive payment until the case has reached a settlement or verdict. Therefore, firing an attorney before your case is actually resolved may feel wrong, but if you have lost confidence in your legal team, it may be in your best interests to seek counsel elsewhere.
If you are looking for an accident lawyer in New York City who always practices with honesty and integrity, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny. With more than 26 years in legal practice, Richard Kenny has the experience and resources to provide unparalleled representation to victims of personal injury and their families. Call 212-421-0300 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Here’s what you need to know about changing lawyers while your claim is still pending:
- You Are in Control
Personal injury claimants have the right to fire their attorney at any time. Whether it’s the day after the initial consultation or the day before trial, you may terminate the relationship for any reason.
- Communication Is Key
If your main issue is a fairly small problem that would be relatively easy to resolve—perhaps you are tired of leaving messages with a secretary, for example, and would prefer to call your lawyer directly—you may not have to fire your attorney after all. In such scenarios, a little communication can go a long way. If discussing the issue does not prompt any change, though, it may be time to look elsewhere for representation.
- Finding a New Lawyer Poses Certain Challenges
If the old attorney devoted any time to your case, he or she may be entitled to some portion of the resulting payout based on quantum merit, or the total value of the work that was performed. Since the attorney fee does not increase, though, this payment must come out of the new lawyer’s portion of the settlement or verdict. In other words, the second attorney you hire will not be entitled to the entire contingency fee, which may make it hard to find someone to take the case.
Call 212-421-0300 to Discuss Your Case with a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were hurt in a preventable accident, you can rely on The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to provide quality counsel at every stage of the claims process. Whether you have yet to discuss the case with an attorney or you’re unhappy with the legal advice you’ve been receiving, we can evaluate the circumstances and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. To set up a free consultation with an accident attorney in New York City, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our Contact Form.