If you were injured on the job, you likely filed a workers’ compensation claim. If you encountered difficulties with your workers’ compensation claim, such as a denial of benefits, for example, you might have hired an attorney to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Where did you find the attorney whom you hired? Did you evaluate your options before hiring the attorney? Many people who file claims—including workers’ compensation claims—find that their attorneys are incompetent. After discovering that their lawyers are incompetent and cannot handle their claims successfully, many victims of workplace injuries ask themselves the following questions:
- Can I change my attorney in the middle of a case?
- How can I fire my lawyer and hire a new lawyer for my workers’ compensation case?
- Is there a California law regarding hiring a new lawyer to represent me in a workers’ compensation case?
Many people who prematurely enter client-attorney agreements find that their attorneys are not handling their claims effectively, and they wish to switch attorneys. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that they have the right to switch their attorneys at any time. Therefore, the outcome of their claim is severely affected.
If you are not satisfied with your current attorney, you have the right to substitute him or her for a new attorney. Normandie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with many years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims. Our attorneys are dedicated to our clients and helping those injured in the workplace to recover the compensation that they deserve. In the following sections, you will find information about switching your workers’ compensation attorney.
What Should You Look For in a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
When you hire someone to represent you in your workers’ compensation claim, you should ensure that they exhibit positive qualities which can benefit you and your claim. For example, you should ensure that the lawyer you choose is experienced in workers’ compensation claims. How long has he or she been practicing? How many successful workers’ compensation claims has he or she handled? How many years has he or she dedicated to workers’ compensation claims? Besides extensive experience, you should ensure that your attorney is understanding of your situation and has exceptional communication skills. You should also aim to hire an attorney with open availability to ensure that you can always reach the attorney.
Why do Clients Fire their Attorneys?
Unfortunately, many clients do not realize the importance of the characteristics mentioned above until their claims are affected in the absence of the positive characteristics. Claimants often realize that their attorneys lack experience, communication skills, and understanding after they have begun handling their claims. A major ain issue that claimants encounter includes availability. If your attorney is never available to answer your calls or meet with you to discuss your claim, you might quickly begin considering other options. Can I hire a new lawyer in the middle of a case? Can I change my lawyer in the middle of a workers compensation case? As soon as you begin having doubts about your current attorney, you must search for a more competent attorney to handle your claim. You have the right to switch your attorney at any time to ensure the success of your claim.
What does California Law State about Substituting Attorneys?
Can I switch lawyers in the middle of a workers compensation case? As discussed, you can switch lawyers at any time. But, what does the law state about doing so? California’s Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) states the laws that apply to switching attorneys. Both CCP§284 and CCP§285 are relevant to firing an attorney and hiring a new one. In CCP§284, it is clear that attorneys can be switched at any time during a workers’ compensation claim with the consent of the client and the attorney or with the order of the court. In CCP§285, it is clear that there must be a written notice of the substitution to all the parties involved. For more information about California law regarding firing your workers compensation lawyer and hiring a new lawyer, you should contact Normandie Law Firm as soon as possible.
Reviewing Your Retainer Agreement
Can I fire my lawyer in the middle of a workers compensation case? The answer to that question can be found in your retainer agreement. Do you remember signing a retainer agreement when you hired your current attorney? Before making a client-attorney relationship official, the prospective client must sign a retainer agreement. The retainer agreement contains information that pertains to the client-attorney relationship. In these agreements, there should be a section dedicated to attorney discharge. In the section, a client’s right to discharge—or fire—an attorney is clear. Within that section, there should also be a clear statement regarding the fees due at the time of discharge. It is common to have to pay all unpaid fees at the time that the client fires an attorney. However, many attorneys agree to place a lien on their fees—they place a lien on the client’s future settlements and receive payment for their fees when the client settles his or her claim. You should review your retainer agreement as soon as possible for more information.
What You Should Do to Switch Attorneys
Are you considering switching attorneys? You might have asked yourself the following questions. How do I switch to a new lawyer for my workers compensation case? How can I hire a new workers compensation lawyer if I am not happy with my current lawyer? In many cases, dissatisfied claimants want to abruptly fire their attorneys and search for a new attorney afterward. However, firing your current attorney before you have a new attorney can be counterproductive. You should never be without legal representation at any time during your claim. Because of that, you should find a new lawyer before you fire your current attorney. Like Normandie Law Firm, many law firms offer free second opinions. During these free second opinions, experienced attorneys will evaluate your claim and give you all the information your current attorney might have missed or overlooked. During our free second opinions, our attorneys ensure that you have the most relevant information to ensure the success of your claim. We will do everything within our reach to help you get your claim back on the right track. If, after your free second opinion, you decide that you would like our attorneys to represent you, our attorneys will help you finalize the process of switching attorneys. Remember; do not fire your current attorney until you find a new attorney at another law firm.
Our Law Firm
Normandie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping the victims of workplace injuries. Many victims who suffer workplace injuries encounter difficulties when they attempt to file workers’ compensation claims. Often, workers’ compensation insurance companies deny claims and victims are left without their benefits. If you were unable to recover the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled, you might need the help of a workers’ compensation attorney.
At our law firm, we believe that all parties injured in a workplace accident have the right to workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, many people encounter difficulties during their workers’ compensation claim. Their claim might be denied, for example, and they might not attempt to appeal the decision. Many employers often do not offer workers’ compensation—which is a violation of the law. If you encounter any challenge after you file or attempt to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer and the insurance provider, you must seek legal assistance. Our law firm is dedicated to California’ injured workers; therefore, we provide all injured workers with free consultations and free second opinions. During our free consultations, our attorneys will be available to answer all your questions and address all your concerns. Our attorneys will give you all the information necessary for you to successfully file your claim. Have you already started your legal process with the help of another attorney? Do you have doubts about your current lawyer’s competency? If so, you might benefit from a free second opinion. During our free second opinions, our attorneys are available to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your claim. Our attorneys will clarify any doubts and confusion left by your incompetent attorney. If you decide that you want our attorneys to represent you after your free second opinion, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will help you through the process of switching attorneys. For our attorneys, the success of your claim is a top priority—do not hesitate to contact our firm for a free consultation or free second opinion.
As mentioned above, Normandie Law Firm is based on the belief that all parties should have access to legal assistance. Our free consultations and free second opinions that make our legal assistance available to all are possible because of our Zero-Fee guarantee. Our Zero-Fee guarantee ensures that our clients never have to worry about paying any upfront legal fees for our legal services. Our firm is also based on contingency; therefore, our clients—injured California workers—do not have to pay any legal fees until they win their claims. If you do not win your workers’ compensation claim, you will not be required to pay any legal fees. Do not hesitate to contact our law firm. We can help you whether you are starting your legal process or have already started the process with another attorney—contact us today.
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