Can a Lawyer Refuse My Case?
If you’ve been injured and are seeking compensation, one of the first steps is often consulting a personal injury lawyer. But you may not realize that not every case is accepted by every attorney.
When a lawyer declines a case it can be surprising or disheartening, but it’s important to understand that this decision is not personal. There are various reasons why a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer may refuse a case, and knowing what to do next can help you continue on your path of pursuing justice.
Why a Lawyer Might Decline Your Case
While each situation has its own details to assess, some common reasons why a lawyer may decide not to take a case include the following.
- Lack of merit. Personal injury cases require a legal basis to proceed. If the attorney determines that your case lacks sufficient evidence to prove liability or damages, they may decline. For example, if the opposing party’s negligence is not clear or if there is no demonstrable injury, a lawyer may feel the case cannot succeed.
- Statute of limitations. Florida law sets strict time limits for filing a personal injury claim. If your case is too close to this deadline or the deadline has already passed, an attorney may not be able to move your case forward.
- Conflict of interest. Lawyers must adhere to ethical standards that prohibit them from representing clients if there’s a conflict of interest. So, if the attorney has a prior relationship with the opposing party, they may decline your case.
- Resource constraints. Injury cases often require significant time and resources, including gathering evidence, hiring experts, and negotiating with insurance companies. If a lawyer feels they do not have the bandwidth to dedicate to your case, they may decline to ensure they can provide adequate attention to their current clients.
- Case value. Many injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are only paid if you win. If the potential recovery amount is too low to justify the time and expense required, an attorney may say no to your claim.
Different lawyers have different perspectives and specialties. Even when one attorney declines a case, another may see its potential. Because of this, it is worth consulting with a couple of lawyers rather than concluding that your case cannot proceed simply because one attorney declined to help you with your objective.
Ask for Feedback
Should an attorney decline your case, ask for an explanation. This information could help you identify a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer better suited to your situation. To connect with the financial relief you need, be persistent and proactive.
What reason did a lawyer give you when they turned down your case? When one lawyer turns you down it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. At Leifer & Ramirez, we understand how challenging it can be to secure the monetary relief you need after an accident injury. If you’ve been injured, we’re here to evaluate your case and provide guidance. Call 561-660-9421 today for the support you need.
