You always have the right to change lawyers. If you are unhappy with your injury lawyer, you should start by talking to them about your concerns as it is often in your best interests not to make a change while your case is ongoing. If your current lawyer is unable to address your concerns and your client-solicitor relationship has deteriorated to the point that you still feel uncomfortable continuing with them, you can consult another personal injury lawyer in Ottawa. The new lawyer will likely meet with you to hear your concerns and obtain information about your case.
What you’ll have to do to change your personal injury lawyer
Once you have made the final decision to change your accident lawyer in Ottawa, your new lawyer will obtain a direction from you, addressed to your former lawyer, asking for the file to be transferred to the new lawyer. Your new lawyer will also contact your former lawyer to advise them about the change and make any necessary arrangements for a smooth transition. Often the new lawyer and the former lawyer will come to an arrangement on payment of fees and disbursements incurred by your former lawyer. This means that the former lawyer and your new lawyer will come to an arrangement for the sharing of fees upon settlement. It is important that you discuss this issue with your new lawyer so you know how fees and disbursements will be charged to you upon transfer of the file.
You will be asked to sign a new retainer agreement with the new lawyer and the former lawyer can claim a lien against your file, refusing to deliver the file if your new lawyer and your former lawyer cannot arrive at an agreement on your behalf in respect of the fees and disbursements incurred on the file.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to seek legal representation with whom you’re comfortable and have confidence in. The sooner you start working with a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. However, if for some reason you are not happy with your current lawyer, there are steps you can take to make a change to find the right lawyer to help you through this difficult time.