Not unlike getting a second opinion from another doctor, getting a second opinion from another Florida personal injury attorney is often advisable. Our experienced attorney will explore a variety of reasons to seek an additional opinion in the following paragraphs – especially if your case was turned down by a personal injury law firm. Even if another attorney was willing to take your case, there might be signals that indicate that you might want to explore other possibilities first. Also, getting a second opinion should not cost you anything but a little time – a personal injury attorney worth speaking to with will not charge you for an initial consultation. Read more from Miami personal injury lawyer Prosper Shaked.
Can You Choose a Different Attorney After a Consultation in Florida?
The first thing you need to understand is that you are in charge of your case – you are the boss. A personal injury attorney works for you, and you can usually change your mind and hire a different lawyer, especially if all you’ve done so far is have a free consultation. While an experienced attorney brings their knowledge of the law and procedure to the table, the final decisions made in proceeding with any case is up to you.
The relationship between the client and attorney is essential, and trust is vital. You want to trust that your attorney is not only making the right decisions but that they are listening to you regarding your case.
Signs that a Second Opinion is Necessary in a Florida Personal Injury Lawsuit
There are a number of indications that a second opinion is necessary when consulting or hiring a personal injury attorney. One of the most common complaints made to the Florida bar regarding attorney conduct is the lack of or insufficient communication from an attorney. It is vital that a Florida attorney not only give you clear and concise updates regarding the progress of your case, but they should also respond promptly to any telephone calls, emails, or letters you send. If you believe your attorney is not communicating with you effectively, this could be a signal that they are either overwhelmed with work, or they are not giving your case the attention it deserves.
An experienced personal injury attorney understands the value of a case. While it is impossible to predict an exact figure, a knowledgeable lawyer should be able to provide a reasonable estimate of the range of value your case is worth. This is essential in making an educated decision if a settlement amount is proposed. If an attorney is unable or unwilling to provide you an estimated figure, you might want to consider getting a second opinion.
Often, personal injury cases like car accidents or slips and falls require more than eyewitness testimony and medical and police reports. To craft a successful personal injury argument, your attorney will have to rely on expert witnesses to provide testimony to a jury or in preparation of your case. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA understand the value and importance of expert testimony and are prepared to provide the experienced, authoritative, and convincing evidence necessary to prosecute your claim. If an attorney is unwilling or unable to employ the use of expert witnesses, then you should discuss your case with another attorney.
Trials can be costly, time-consuming, and the outcome is never guaranteed – this is true for both the victim and the defendant. Often, personal injury claims are settled without the need to go to trial. As stated above, this decision on your part can only be intelligently made if you have a clear understanding of the value of your case. However, it is not uncommon for a defendant, especially an insurance company, to make an offer that is below the amount of the estimated range of value. If your current attorney is unwilling to press the matter at trial and advises you to take a value that is less than you deserve than it might be advisable to contact our attorney who is prepared to litigate your claim if necessary.
In some situations, a law firm might not take your case. It is important to understand why that occurred. Some larger firms will only take a case if it meets a minimum potential award amount. Your case may have merit, but it may not be big enough for the firm to take. This sometimes happens if a firm is exceptionally busy and lacks the staff or attorneys to devote to your case. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we value every client who walks through our doors and we do not decide the merits of a case based solely on its monetary value.
Is it too Late to Seek a Second Opinion in a Florida Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Every personal injury lawsuit is governed by a statute of limitations that limits the time frame in which an injured party can file a claim against the person or entity that caused the harm. If you were told that it is too late to file your case, you need to contact our office immediately. While it might be too late, there are situations where the exact date of your injury does not trigger the statute of limitations. One example of this is the “discovery rule” which might extend your filing deadline if you could not have reasonably known about the injury. It is not uncommon for the full extent of an injury to become known until months after the incident or accident occurred. Additionally, circumstances might exist that have tolled the statute of limitations, temporarily pausing the clock.
Call Our Florida Personal Injury Attorney for a Second Opinion to Review Additional Options
Your personal injury attorney works for you and you should have complete faith and trust in their abilities. Prosper Shaked is a Florida personal injury attorney who brings extensive courtroom experience to your case. He understands the importance of trust and communication between his office and his clients. If you are uncomfortable with your current attorney or want to see if different options are available, call Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.