Can I Change Lawyers During My Personal Injury Case in Texas?
If you’re unhappy with your current attorney, you absolutely have the right to switch lawyers at any point in a personal injury case. In Texas, clients are free to terminate their attorney for any reason—or even no reason at all. Ethical rules ensure that it’s ultimately your decision who represents you, and hiring a new attorney can help you feel more confident and supported throughout the claims process.
Understanding Fees When You Switch Attorneys
It’s important to know that your previous lawyer may be entitled to reasonable compensation for work already performed. How much they can claim depends on:
The amount of work done: If they only handled your case for a short time, their fees are typically proportional to the work completed.
Duration of representation: If they’ve been on your case for months or longer, their share may be larger, reflecting the time and effort spent.
Even with fees owed, changing lawyers does not prevent your case from continuing, and ethical guidelines ensure the transition is fair and smooth.
How to Make the Transition Smooth
Before officially firing your current attorney, it’s wise to consult a new lawyer. A new attorney can:
Review your case history and documents
Understand the work your previous attorney completed
Step in seamlessly to continue pursuing your claim
Switching lawyers does not mean starting from scratch. Instead, it allows you to work with a lawyer who better fits your needs, while protecting your rights, evidence, and potential compensation.
