You found a personal injury lawyer, but they dropped your case. Wondering why?
The American Bar Association has guidelines in the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility for lawyers to terminate client relationships during ongoing cases.
They can do so if it doesn’t harm your interests or if they have a valid reason.
However, sometimes they may withdraw even if it’s detrimental to your case. Let’s explore why a personal injury lawyer might drop your case.
Reasons A Personal Injury Lawyer May Drop Your Case
There are a number of reasons for this rejection. Your lawyer’s reason for dropping your case and what it entails is explained here:
Insufficient Damages May Compel Personal Injury Lawyer to drop your case
Loss victims deserve compensation for pain, suffering, damage, lost income, bills, and psychological impacts from accidents.
Many personal injury lawyers use no-win, no-fee, tying fees to the claim amount.
If they doubt the claim’s value can cover losses and costs, they’ll reject it, saving time and resources.
It Takes Too Much Time
Can a lawyer reject a case due to its lengthy process? It’s more likely if the outcome favors the attorney.
Personal injury lawyers gauge case duration and avoid investing too much time unless it has a high claim value since they work on contingency.
Hourly lawyers, however, might accept such cases as they’re paid for every hour spent, regardless of the outcome.
It Is Difficult To Establish Liability
Case outcomes hinge on the defendant’s liability for the plaintiff’s damages.
Damages alone aren’t enough to establish liability, as the plaintiff’s own actions could also be a factor.
Lawyers assess a case’s likelihood of success before taking it on.
If proving the defendant’s culpability appears challenging, they may decline the case.
Limited Resources of the Defendant May Lead Personal Injury Lawyer to drop your case
In the US, all drivers must have insurance, but many lack sufficient coverage.
This can lead lawyers to decline your case because without insurance, there’s no way to recover their fees.
If the defendant can’t pay the damages, the attorney won’t be compensated.
It is Too Expensive to Handle the Case
Personal injury lawyers operate on contingency, investing time and resources even without guaranteed reimbursement. Proving a defendant’s guilt requires costly evidence, including depositions, discovery, exhibits, and experts.
If the lawyer sees an inadequate link between expenses and case chances, they might decline it. However, a strong case with potential success could sway their decision.
Potential Conflict of Interest
Lawyers adhere to stringent ethical guidelines, as non-compliance can lead to license revocation. They strive to closely follow these rules.
If the lawyer has previously represented the defendant or faces moral dilemmas, they may reject the case.