If your calls go unanswered, your case has stalled for months, or you cannot get a straight answer about your own claim, you may be dealing with incompetent legal representation. At Howe Law, our injury attorneys serve clients across Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi, and we regularly step in to rescue cases that another firm mishandled. The good news: you almost always have the right to change lawyers, and doing it correctly should not cost you an extra fee. Call (844) 876-4357 for a free, confidential second opinion.
What counts as incompetent legal representation?
Incompetent legal representation means your attorney is failing to handle your case with the skill, diligence, and communication the law expects. It is not the same as losing a hard case or disagreeing on strategy. It shows up as missed deadlines, poor preparation, and neglect that puts your recovery at risk. In serious cases, it can rise to legal malpractice, but most of the time it is simply a firm that took on more cases than it can properly serve.
7 warning signs your injury lawyer is failing you
- You can never reach them. Weeks pass with no return calls, and you only ever speak to a rotating cast of assistants.
- Your case is not moving. No investigation, no demand letter, no filed suit, and no clear explanation of the next step.
- Missed or near-missed deadlines. A blown statute of limitations can end your claim permanently, so any hint of missed dates is a red flag.
- They pressure you to settle fast and low. A quick, lowball settlement can signal a firm that wants easy money over your best outcome.
- No case strategy. They cannot tell you what your case is worth, who the defendants are, or how they plan to prove liability.
- Records and bills are a mess. Medical records are not collected, liens are ignored, and paperwork is disorganized.
- They will not go to trial. Some firms never file suit; insurers know it, and they offer less as a result.
Incompetence vs. a difficult case
Not every setback means your lawyer is failing. Insurance companies delay, evidence can be hard to gather, and Georgia’s damages rules can make some claims genuinely complicated. The difference is communication and effort. A competent attorney explains delays, returns your calls, and shows measurable progress. An incompetent one leaves you guessing while the clock runs.
Can you fire your lawyer and hire a new one?
Yes. In nearly every personal injury case you have the right to change attorneys at any time. Because most injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee, switching usually does not cost you anything extra out of pocket. Your old and new firms divide a single attorney’s fee based on the work each performed, so you are not charged two full fees. You keep the same one-fee arrangement, and you do not pay unless there is a recovery.
How to switch injury lawyers the right way
- Get a free second opinion. Have an experienced firm review your file before you make any move.
- Check your deadline. Confirm your filing deadline has not passed and is not close.
- Review your fee agreement. A new firm can help you understand what you signed.
- Sign with your new firm. The new attorney handles the transition and requests your file.
- Let the lawyers sort out the fee split. This happens behind the scenes and comes out of the single contingency fee, not your pocket.
Why clients switch to Howe Law
Howe Law is a trial-tested personal injury firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients across Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. We keep our clients informed, prepare every case as if it will go to trial, and we are not afraid to take insurers to court. If your current lawyer has gone quiet, see our client victories and then call us for an honest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost more to switch personal injury lawyers?
Usually no. Because injury cases are handled on contingency, the two firms split one attorney’s fee based on the work each did. You still pay a single fee, and only if you recover.
Will changing lawyers hurt my case?
In most cases, no. A new firm requests your file and picks up where the last one left off. The bigger risk is staying with a lawyer who is letting deadlines and evidence slip away.
What is the difference between incompetence and legal malpractice?
Incompetence is poor, neglectful handling of your case. Legal malpractice is when that conduct falls below the professional standard of care and directly causes you financial harm, such as a missed statute of limitations. Malpractice is a separate legal claim.
How do I know if my case is on track?
A competent firm can tell you who is at fault, what your case is worth, what the next step is, and your filing deadline. If your lawyer cannot answer those questions, get a second opinion.
Get a free second opinion today
If you suspect you are receiving incompetent legal representation, do not wait for a deadline to pass. Howe Law offers free, confidential case reviews across Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Call (844) 876-4357 or contact us online to protect your claim.
