Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Drop Your Case? (Yes – Explained)

So, you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer, and everything seems to be going fine, but now you’re hearing that your lawyer might drop your case. That’s definitely a stressful thought! 

Can a personal injury lawyer drop your case?

The short answer is yes, they can drop your case. But don’t worry; it’s not as common as you might think, and there are usually good reasons behind it.

In this post, we’ll go over 7 reasons why your personal injury lawyer might drop your case.

Why Would A Personal Injury Lawyer Drop My Case?

There are a few reasons why your personal injury lawyer might back out. Some of them are totally understandable, while others might be a little more frustrating. 

Either way, it’s helpful to know the different scenarios. Let us go over the main ones:

#1 Your Case Doesn’t Have A Strong Chance

The biggest reason a lawyer might drop your case is if they believe it’s not going to win. 

Personal injury lawyers want to take on cases that have a solid chance of success. After all, they work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win. 

If your case doesn’t have strong evidence or a reasonable path to victory, they might decide it’s better for both of you to part ways.

It’s a bummer, but a lawyer is more likely to let go of a case that’s weak because they don’t want to waste your time (or their own) on something that isn’t going to pay off. They’ll usually tell you why they’re dropping the case and give you the chance to seek other legal advice.

Also Read: How Often Do Car Accident Cases Go To Court and Win?

#2 You’re Not Communicating Or Cooperating

Communication is super important when you’re working with a lawyer. If you stop responding to their calls or emails, don’t show up to important meetings, or fail to provide necessary documents, your lawyer might get frustrated. 

Personal injury cases require a lot of back-and-forth, and if you’re not involved or cooperative, they could see it as a reason to end the relationship.

This is a two-way street. Your lawyer can’t do everything on their own. 

If you’re not staying engaged or being proactive about helping with the case, they might feel like it’s not worth continuing.

#3 The Case Costs More Than It’s Worth

Personal injury cases can get expensive. There are expert fees, court costs, and sometimes even investigation costs. 

If it looks like the costs are going to pile up and the case won’t bring in enough money to cover those expenses (let alone pay you for your injuries), your lawyer might back out. 

They can only do so much for free, and if they believe the financial investment just isn’t worth it, they may drop the case.

It’s frustrating, but lawyers aren’t in it to lose money, either. They want to be sure that your case has enough potential to make the investment worth it for both of you.

Also Read: How Much Are Pennsylvania Personal Injury Settlements?

#4 There’s A Conflict Of Interest

Sometimes, a personal injury lawyer might have to drop your case because they realize there’s a conflict of interest. Maybe they’ve worked with the other party involved in your case before, or they’re connected to someone who could create a legal conflict. 

It’s kind of like dating someone who turns out to be friends with your ex—they just can’t continue without complications.

If your lawyer finds themselves in a situation where representing you could affect their professional integrity or create a problem down the line, they might decide to step aside. 

It’s important that you trust your lawyer’s judgment in these situations.

#5 You Ask Them To Do Something Shady

This one’s pretty straightforward. If you ask your lawyer to bend the truth, withhold important information, or do something illegal or unethical, they have to say no. 

Personal injury lawyers have an ethical duty to follow the law, and they can’t put themselves in a position where they’re involved in shady behavior.

Even if you’re desperate or frustrated with how things are going, it’s a red flag if you ask your lawyer to do anything that crosses a line. 

Lawyers have to protect their reputation, and they’re not going to risk their career for a single case.

#6 You And Your Lawyer Just Don’t Get Along

You’d be surprised how often this happens! Sometimes personalities just don’t mesh. Maybe your lawyer’s communication style doesn’t fit with yours, or you don’t feel like they’re really hearing you. 

Also Read: Can an Undocumented Immigrant Sue for Personal Injury?

It’s important to have a good working relationship with your lawyer, and if things aren’t clicking, they may decide that it’s better for both of you to find a different fit.

If your lawyer doesn’t think they’re the right person for the job (or if you don’t think they are), it’s okay to part ways.

This is especially true if you’re not feeling comfortable with their advice or approach. 

A good lawyer will understand this and help you transition to someone else.

#7 Something Major Changes In Your Case

Sometimes, unexpected things happen. New evidence might come up, or the law surrounding your case might change. 

If something big happens that makes your case no longer viable or relevant, your personal injury lawyer might drop it. For example, if key witnesses back out or if a settlement offer falls through, your lawyer might realize the case is no longer worth pursuing. 

These things happen, and unfortunately, they’re out of anyone’s control.

What To Do If Your Lawyer Drops Your Case?

If your lawyer decides to drop your case, it’s understandable to feel confused or stressed out. But don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to get back on track:

• Ask for the reason why your case is being dropped.
• Get copies of all your case documents and evidence from your lawyer.
• Look for another personal injury lawyer who can take over your case.
• Consider getting a second opinion if you’re unsure about the situation.

If you believe your lawyer acted unethically, you could also file a complaint.

Bottom Line

A personal injury lawyer can drop your case, but there are usually pretty good reasons behind it.

If they do decide to part ways, they should explain why and give you the chance to move forward with a new legal team.

It’s never easy when this happens, but remember: it’s all about making sure your case has the best chance of success. If your lawyer believes they can’t give it the attention it deserves, they’ll be upfront with you. 

So, stay informed, stay involved, and trust your lawyer to do what’s best for your case!