A Lawyer Said I Do Not Have a Valid Injury Case. Now What?

 Posted on January 16, 2023 in Personal Injury

If you have been injured by another person’s carelessness or negligence, you might decide to take your case to a personal injury lawyer. After reviewing the details of your case, the attorney might tell you that you do not have a valid case. That lawyer could suggest that, based on the facts, you will not be able to win the case, or imply that even if you won the case, what you will gain from the win will not make the cost of legal representation worth it to you. Be wary of this, particularly if this is the first lawyer you have seen about your case. Here are some ways you can decide for yourself whether you do have a case and should continue pursuing it.  

3 Ways to Handle a Lawyer Refusing to Take Your Case

Unfortunately, many people let accidents and injuries go unaddressed from a legal perspective by paying their medical bills and not pursuing legal action on the matter. With so many inaccurate representations of personal injury law in the media and entertainment world, it can be easy to be dissuaded or discouraged from filing a lawsuit for personal injury damages.

If you worked up the strength to take that first step, and the first lawyer you visit says you do not have a case, there are a few things you should do before giving up on the case entirely. These include but are not limited to:

1. Get a second opinion. While doctors and lawyers are two very different professions, one thing they do have in common is the value of second opinions. If your lawyer refuses to take on your case, there could be many reasons for this that you do not know about. For example, the lawyer may lack confidence in trying that type of case or not know how to approach your case without prior similar experience. Perhaps the lawyer does not see a likelihood of making much money from your case. Whatever the attorney’s reasoning behind refusing your case, it is possible that the lawyer will not tell you the real reason. Instead, he or she may be critical of your case and say it is not “winnable” or worth it for you. That is when going to another lawyer for a second opinion is key. A different set of eyes on your case could breathe new life into it and show that the previous attorney’s judgment was incorrect.

2. Do some research. Study public records of prior cases similar to yours that might serve as strong examples of successful verdicts or settlements. This can show you it is possible to win such a case, and it might even show you how to do so. You can present this research to an attorney if you believe that it will help your case in any way.

3. Review and re-evaluate the specifics of your case. Reconsider all the details of your personal injury claim. Be objective as you assess whether or not you have a valid case. Most importantly, be honest with yourself: Is this lawsuit worth the time, money, and effort? Are you willing to undergo a potentially long, cumbersome legal proceeding? Make a “pros and cons list,” if necessary, to weigh your options.

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Lawyer

Do not give up on filing a personal injury lawsuit too soon. You might just need the right Fort Collins personal injury attorney to give it a second look. The tenacious team at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. has the experience and skills necessary to not only take on your challenging case but also fight for a favorable judgment or settlement. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.legalreader.com/critical-questions-you-should-ask-a-personal-injury-lawyer/

https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2019/10/5-tips-to-help-you-hire-the-best-personal-injury-lawyer-for-your-case/