Let’s say you suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. You’re in extreme pain and desperately in need of legal help for your personal injury case. No matter who you turn to, it seems like none of the personal injury attorneys in your area want to take your case. Why is that? What many people don’t know is that there are several legitimate reasons why a personal injury attorney wouldn’t, or can’t, take your case. In some of these cases, we encourage you to fight for your right to representation, and don’t take no for an answer.
At the Gordon & Gordon Law Firm, our Shreveport personal injury lawyers, have represented hundreds of different clients throughout Louisiana. We understand that when clients come to us with a case, they experienced something unpleasant, and they need help navigating the legal system. We’re here to offer that service to clients with all different types of cases, both big and small. With our skill, experience, and dedication in your corner, you’ll be in the best position for a favorable outcome. To schedule your free consultation, call 318-716-HELP today.
Why do personal injury lawyers say no?
Sometimes, attorneys choose to turn down cases. In this section, we’ll explain some of the most common reasons why a personal injury attorney might turn down your case.
Statute of Limitations:
The Louisiana State Legislature sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. Basically, this means that if you miss that designated deadline, your claim is no longer valid in the eyes of the state. To determine whether or not your case passed the deadline for filing a claim, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case.
Conflict of Interests:
Sometimes, attorneys are barred from accepting cases due to a conflict of interest. This involves circumstances such as representing the other side, or the person you intend to sue for damages. The good news in this situation is that the rejection has nothing to do with the specifics of your case. It is easy to carry on and find another attorney.
Not Enough Time/Resources:
Some attorneys simply lack the time or resources to dedicate to your case. Instead of taking it anyway and risking a poor performance, they might opt to decline the case. Different cases require different amounts of time and energy. Not every attorney can afford to take every case.
Not Their Practice Area:
Obviously, not every attorney claims expert knowledge for your type of case. Maybe someone recommended an attorney for your personal injury case, but failed to mention they were a workers’ compensation attorney in Shreveport. In this case, the defense attorney might have little to no experience with personal injury, so they might not feel comfortable taking your case. A good, responsible attorney does not take cases unless they feel they will provide satisfactory results.
Can’t Afford It:
What does it mean when an attorney can’t afford to take your case? Especially with large law firms, they have a large amount of overhead. For this reason, some firms only accept large cases with a higher potential settlement amount. This has nothing to do with your case. It has everything to do with how many people they pay while handling a case, as well as their additional expenses.
You Are At Fault:
Let’s consider the possibility that you are partly or mostly responsible for what happened. In this case, many attorneys fear that their time and resources will be wasted if they accept your case.
The Damages Are Minimal:
Many personal injury attorneys care mostly about helping their clients. However, they still need to make a living with their cases. In order for an attorney to make anything from a case, the damages must be significant enough.
Little To No Chance of a Settlement:
This is similar to the above reason for rejection. With a low chance of success, an attorney might see the case as a potential waste of both your time and theirs. Some cases provide little hope of reaching a settlement. You and your attorney might both end up in the red in terms of expenses after a case like this.
How can I increase my chances of getting a personal injury attorney to take my case?
Luckily, there are many ways in which you can increase your chances of getting an attorney to take your case. While there is no guaranteed way to ensure that an attorney takes your case, the below tips will make it more likely.
- Refrain from assuming that your case isn’t worthy of representation. Every case at least deserves to be heard by an attorney.
- Prepare for your initial phone call beforehand. Gather all the information and photos about your case, as well as medical records and costs encountered thus far. The more information an attorney has to work with, the more likely they are to consider your case.
- Ask why they turned your case down. If your case is still a possibility for another attorney to take, this is a great way to prepare for your next phone call with a different attorney.
- If it turns out that your case does not fall under their preferred practice areas, don’t worry. Either request a reference from them, or from a quick Internet search. Try to ask directly if an attorney has handled cases like this before. Try to avoid letting your case be a learning experience for an attorney.
- If the attorney states that your case is too small to cover the legal fees, consider a second opinion. Not all lawyers share the same rates, so explore your options before giving up on a smaller case.
- If you are partly or mostly at fault, ask if you can still receive compensation for your damages. It never hurts to ask, and this can illuminate whether or not your case is worth your own time and effort.
If You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Shreveport, Call the Greenwald Law Firm
Personal injury cases are stressful, especially when you have a hard time finding a lawyer to represent you. If you’re unsure if you have a claim, or if your case is worth the hassle, we encourage you to give our office a call. We take into account your expenses and damages after your personal injury, and give an approximation of your case’s worth. If you still have questions, feel free to call the Gordon & Gordon Law Firm. We offer free initial consultations, and will make every effort to analyze your case. Call 318-716-HELP today to schedule your free consultation.