At times, for a number of different reasons, a client may not be satisfied with the performance of his or her worker’s compensation lawyer. As a result, the client may want to switch lawyers even if it is in the middle of his or her case. This article discusses things to take into consideration before terminating the attorney-client relationship in a worker’s compensation case.

There are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration before an individual decides to terminate their worker’s compensation lawyer. First, it is important to realize that you may face a challenge finding another worker’s compensation lawyer to represent you after you have fired the first one. Despite the basis for your terminating the lawyer, it must be noted that many lawyers consider this a red flag for a prospective client. Furthermore, it is important to note that because your first lawyer is entitled to reasonable compensation for the services provided, a newly hired lawyer would have to forfeit a portion of his or her fee, if the case is successful.

Before deciding to fire your worker’s compensation lawyer, it is important to re-examine the legitimacy of your reasons for looking for a new lawyer. If your current lawyer fails to keep in contact with you, manifests rude, unprofessional behavior, or displays a lack of expertise in worker’s compensation, you can indeed fire him or her without any reservations. However, a lawyer noted that, “a number of clients who are frustrated with the endless delays in the case tend to blame their lawyer when the real fault lies elsewhere”. Therefore, when considering whether or not to switch lawyers, it is important to maintain a realistic expectation of what a lawyer can and cannot control.

A lawyer from Crowson Law Group discussed some common reasons why clients fire worker’s compensation lawyers. The reasons included the following:

The case is taking too long - the attorney stated that, “While this may seem to be a valid reason, it is important to realize that nothing happens quickly in a worker’s compensation case. A simple request for medical records can quite easily take between four to six weeks and it may even take a number of months to schedule an examination with a physician”. He further noted that there was a backlog of cases in most worker’s compensation courts, which leads to further delays. Furthermore, “hiring a new lawyer will not speed up the case, in fact, by switching lawyers, this can actually postpone matters even further, especially if the worker’s compensation hearing is approaching”.

My attorney rarely speaks to me and does not return my calls – in instances when an attorney fails to keep the client updated regarding their case, it is a cause for concern. In instances when an attorney is unavailable, the client can request that a phone conference or in-office meeting be scheduled. The client can further make it clear at the next meeting that he or she expects better communication and the attorney must take steps to improve the communication in the future.

My attorney is not working hard enough on my case - a good worker’s compensation attorney is a zealous and not a ‘passive observer’. A client is within their rights to enquire precisely what steps the lawyer has taken to advocate on their behalf.

For the best anchorage lawyer handling worker’s compensation matters, seek out a law firm of renowned professionals.

About the company:
Crowson Law Group is a law firm of renowned professionals who focus on worker’s compensation matters. Be sure to include Crowson Law Group in your search for the top lawyers in Anchorage Alaska who handle such matters. For a free case evaluation, contact the Crowson Law Group today.