Can I Change Personal Injury Lawyers?
No one ever expects to be injured in a motor vehicle accident, at work, in a public place or as a result of the negligence of a medical practitioner or dental.
When such unfortunate events occur, injured people have to start looking for a personal injury lawyer who they can trust to do the right thing and to obtain the best possible outcome. Such lawyers are not easy to find.
What if I don’t like My Personal Injury Lawyer?
What commonly happens is that an injured person discovers that the first choice of lawyer fails to meet reasonable expectations. This may be due to poor communication, a lack of interest, insufficient expertise and experience, or merely a clash of personalities.
Changing Personal Injury Lawyers
Whilst there is only one opportunity to ensure that an injured person’s compensation lawyer achieves the best possible compensation result, there is no reason for a personal injury client to be afraid changing personal injury lawyers. This happens frequently. There is no need to fear that the original lawyer will make life difficult or try to persuade the injured person not to change lawyers. Once the original lawyer receives an injured person’s written, signed authority to transfer the case to another lawyer, it would be grossly unethical and against the solicitor rules for the original lawyer to contact the injured person. Any contact with the original lawyer should be made by the new lawyer.
Further, there is no need for the injured person making the personal injury claim to be concerned that the original lawyer will refuse to release his or her file without first being paid their legal costs. This is normally taken care of by the new lawyer who will seek details of the original lawyer’s costs and disbursements and then enter into what is called a tripartite agreement, which is sanctioned by the Law Society of New South Wales.
The tripartite agreement protects the costs of the original lawyer, although the injured person making the claim still as a right to query the quantum of the legal costs at the end of the case and require the original lawyer’s costs to be formally assessed by a costs assessor.
What happens in practice is that the original personal injury lawyer will generally agree to release the file upon payment of disbursements which the originally has incurred to obtain medical reports etc.
It is the policy of Stacks Goudkamp to pay the previous lawyers’ disbursements e.g. for medical reports etc, on behalf of their clients.
Therefore, a disgruntled client who has suffered a personal injury is perfectly entitled to change lawyers if they so wish. It is a free world in which clients have freedom of choice.
Why You Should Choose Stacks Goudkamp
When it comes to Changing personal injury lawyer, Stacks Goudkamp stands out as a top choice.
Our team of dedicated injury compensation lawyers has a proven track record of delivering outstanding results for our clients. With a strong commitment to trust, communication, and expertise, we prioritise your needs and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
We understand the complexities of personal injury law and have the experience to navigate it effectively. When you choose Stacks Goudkamp, you’re choosing a partner who will advocate for your rights and provide you with the support and guidance you need during these challenging times.
Written by Tom Goudkamp
