Once you hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Georgia, nothing requires you to stay with that specific attorney or law firm until your case is resolved.
Just as with any professional service, Georgia gives you the right to fire your lawyer and hire someone else. Whether it will cost you anything to change workers’ comp lawyers after your case starts depends on the terms of your contract with the first attorney. Sometimes there are no costs at all to switch mid-case; in other instances, certain fees may apply.
Why Should You Change Workers’ Comp Attorneys?
You should feel completely confident in your decision once you hire a workers’ compensation attorney. Your lawyer will handle your case, and the outcome directly affects your future financial stability. If you have real doubts about your current attorney, it may be time to consider finding a new one. Common reasons clients give for changing attorneys mid-case include:
- The law office doesn’t return phone calls.
- The lawyer lacks knowledge of workers’ compensation law.
- Case developments happen too infrequently.
Costs You Might Have to Pay When Changing Lawyers
If you decide to change workers’ compensation attorneys after your case has started, there are a few potential costs to keep in mind:
- Contract cancellation fees: Early-cancellation fees are common across many professional-service industries, including legal services. Some firms include a fee for canceling the contract before the case concludes. This fee must be “reasonable” — it can’t be used to trap clients in unfair contracts.
- Completed-work fees: Workers’ compensation lawyers are generally paid only if you win your case. In rare instances, though, an attorney may charge for specific case-related services that aren’t dependent on the outcome. If your first lawyer provided those services, you may need to pay for them when you switch.
- Work-transfer fees: You may owe a small fee when your first lawyer transfers case files, research, and documents to your new attorney — for example, the cost of copying and mailing physical copies of your case evidence.
- Third-party costs: If your first lawyer paid outside experts to work on your case, they may seek reimbursement when you change attorneys, since they likely planned to recoup those costs from your settlement or award.
What Is a Fee-Sharing Agreement?
When you change attorneys in the middle of a workers’ compensation case, the two lawyers typically enter a fee-sharing agreement. It usually reads something like: “Any compensation the client receives through a settlement or award will be split fairly between both attorneys who worked on the case.” In other words, the single attorney fee is divided between the lawyers based on how much work each one did.
The Good News
Fee-sharing agreements are common, and they make switching lawyers much simpler for clients. When one is in place, you generally won’t owe extra out-of-pocket costs like contract-cancellation fees or completed-work fees — the two attorneys sort it out between themselves.
Considering a New Georgia Workers’ Comp Lawyer? Call Us.
At Morrison & Hughes, we’re proud of our reputation among clients and legal peers across Georgia. Other attorneys and firms recognize our name and know that we consistently achieve strong results for clients facing difficult circumstances after a workplace accident.
If you’re thinking about changing attorneys for your workers’ comp case, talk to us first. We can tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit — and if you choose to hire us, we’ll guide you through informing your previous attorney of the switch. Our familiarity with other Georgia firms lets us manage these transitions with sensitivity, respect, and professionalism.
Thinking About Switching Workers’ Comp Firms?
Talk to us first. We’ll tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit — and handle the transition professionally.
Call 404-LAW-TEAM or request a free consultation about moving your workers’ compensation case to Morrison & Hughes.
