Can I Change Lawyers During My Injury Case?
Yes—absolutely. In Texas, clients have the right to fire their attorney at any point during a personal injury case, for any reason, or even no reason at all. Lawyers are governed by ethical rules, and ultimately, it is the client’s decision whether to continue with a particular attorney. If you are unhappy with your current representation, you have every right to hire a new attorney who better aligns with your needs and goals.
It’s important to understand, however, that your previous attorney may be entitled to reasonable compensation for the work they already performed on your case. For example, if an attorney worked on your claim for a brief period, their fees would generally be limited to the value of the work completed. Conversely, if an attorney handled your case for months or years, they may have a larger claim for fees for the work performed before you decided to switch representation. Despite this, the decision to change attorneys rests entirely with the client, and ethical rules ensure that your case can continue without interruption when you make the switch.
Consulting a new attorney before making the change can also help ensure a smooth transition. The new attorney can review your case, understand prior work, and step in to continue pursuing your claim without unnecessary delays. Changing lawyers does not mean starting over; it simply allows you to have the legal representation that best serves your interests while protecting your rights and potential recovery.