Unfortunately, when dealing with any type of case, there may come a time when you decide that you are not happy with your lawyer. In something as personal as an injury claim, it is understandable that you would want the right representation. We look at what you might feel has gone wrong, and whether you can change solicitors.
| If I am not happy with my personal injury lawyers, can I change solicitors?
The easy answer is yes!
If you are unhappy with your current solicitor, you have a right to tell them what’s gone wrong by making a formal complaint. They must publish their complaints procedure on their website. But if you feel that you can’t work with them anymore, you can get a second opinion or transfer your instructions to a new solicitor. The new solicitor may ask you to sign a form that they will then send to your existing lawyers so that you do not have to contact them again yourself.
| Reasons you may wish to move solicitors:
- Your solicitor is not keeping you up to date;
- You do not feel you are getting the right advice;
- Your lawyers are not listening to you and ignoring your wishes and instructions;
- There are a lot of unexplained delays;
- Nothing seems to be happening with your claim;
- You are not happy with the medical evidence that’s being talked about, or the plan that your solicitors is setting out to get your case settled or to get a trial date fixed;
- You feel pressured to settle at a figure you do not agree with.
If, however, the issue is that you don’t like your solicitor’s advice, this may not be a problem with the solicitor. Their advice could be right and it may be the best way to proceed. You should seek an explanation from your current solicitors and perhaps get a second opinion before looking to move to a new firm.
| How do I change from my current solicitors?
You should be able to transfer firms very easily and at no cost. Although this will depend on how you are funding your claim and the stage you have reached in any formal court proceedings.
We have helped clients move forward after getting nowhere with their solicitor on many occasions. And we would be happy to talk to you to see if we can help and how. We will always be open with you about timescales, realistic compensation figures and about anything else that is worrying you.
The idea is to make the process as stress-free as possible. Whilst also getting you the rehabilitation and compensation that you are entitled to. If we can help, we would ask you to sign a Form of Authority letting your current solicitors know that you are happy for us to take over the running of your claim and we will get and review your file before meeting with you , or writing to you to set out a case plan and out advice.
| What if my claim has settled but I feel it has been undervalued by my solicitors?
If you feel your solicitors undervalued your claim, then you may want another solicitor to look at all the papers and to investigate whether a claim can be made against your previous lawyers.
Call us today on 0800 988 7786 to speak to our expert personal injury team.
