Over the years we have taken over hundreds of cases that were initially started by other solicitor firms. The ways clients found their way to us and reasons for needing a change have varied wildly but some of the key themes that come up again and again include the below:
Lack of Expertise
Some injury claims are straightforward, some (including brain injury) are much more complicated. The mechanism of injury can also have a bearing. A generalist law firm without specialist neurological expertise may find themselves unable to appreciate the right strategy to achieve the best outcome for a client, to include rehabilitative options. The legal and medical landscape changes quickly in these complex cases.
Significant delays
Even though personal injury cases can sometimes take years to settle clients should always be kept in the loop with that is happening and the reasons of any delays. It may take some time for prognosis to become sufficiently certain, especially with children and paediatrics. In many cases we have seen instances where delays were disproportionate to the challenges of the case and clients were not aware of what was holding things back.
Lack of experience
Some of the cases we have taken over were previously valued significantly lower to the amount of compensation we have managed to achieve for clients. In extreme circumstances this difference in value can be in the millions. That generally happens when the client’s needs and rehabilitation options are not fully understood and correctly quantified. A common example is not giving proper consideration to the provision of long term care. A client might be having to rely on family care where paid support would be much more appropriate. Having supported many clients who have suffered similar injuries means a lawyer will be able to better understand the need a client has and how to approach the claim accordingly.
Relationship Breakdown
Personal Injury cases can take a long time to settle, even when approached correctly. During this time a personal injury lawyer will have to properly understand their client. Context in brain injury claims is all important. Each client will be unique. All too often we have seen situations where the solicitor has not taken the time to understand the client, the injury, their family, the rehabilitative needs, their employment situation and future prospects and many more factors. Interim payments of damages will not have been obtained. These factors will result in the claim not progressing properly and will inevitably put strain on the solicitor / client relationship. It is important that clients are comfortable with their solicitor and trust them. If for whatever reason, there has been a breakdown in that trust then it is likely that the client will be better served by a change in solicitor.
How can we help if you want changing solicitor?
If you have concerns about the support, you or your loved one are receiving by your current solicitor or would simply like a second opinion because something is not sitting exactly right with you a member of our dedicated Acquired brain Injury Personal Injury Team will be happy to have a free, no obligations and confidential discussion with you. Fill in our contact form or call us today on 0800 044 8488.
