Why Lawyers May Decline Certain Injury Cases
Navigating the aftermath of an accident often involves seeking legal counsel, but occasionally, a case is not accepted by attorneys. Conflicts of interest or the sunset of a statute of limitations period could lead to a lawyer declining a case.
Most accident injury cases are taken by Florida attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation for their clients. Before you assume your case won’t be taken after a Florida accident injury, have a consultation with a seasoned legal professional. Talk through where you are today and what outcome you are seeking with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.
Conflicts of Interests and Timelines
One of the primary reasons lawyers could decide to decline a case is a conflict of interest. After all, attorneys have a duty to provide undivided loyalty to their clients. If there is a conflict of interest, that could compromise this obligation.
For instance, if a lawyer has previously represented the opposing party, they may ethically be unable to take on the new case. They do this not to punish you but to maintain the integrity of the attorney-client relationship. Avoiding conflicts ensures that individuals needing legal support receive the best possible legal representation.
Another factor that may lead to the rejection of a case is the expiration of the statute of limitations. In Florida, there is a set timeframe within which legal action must be initiated. While the statute of limitations varies depending on the type and specifics of a case, once the statute of limitation period has elapsed, the right to file a lawsuit could be lost. Attorneys are obligated to adhere to these legal deadlines, so they may be unable to take on a case if they are approached by a potential client after the statute of limitations has expired.
Additionally, lawyers may decline cases if there is insufficient evidence to support the client’s allegations. Attorneys have a professional responsibility to pursue cases with a reasonable chance of success. Because of this, a first step will be a lawyer conducting a thorough evaluation of the facts, evidence, and legal precedents of a case to determine its viability.
The Majority of Injury Cases Are Accepted by Attorneys
It’s important to recognize that there are skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers who understand the challenges individuals face after an accident and are dedicated to helping them seek justice and fair compensation. If one Florida lawyer has declined your case, there may be another who is available to fight for your rights. Talk to a Delray Beach personal injury attorney to discuss your particular circumstance.
Has a lawyer declined your case? There may still be a path forward. While there are instances in which lawyers may decline cases due to conflicts of interest, elapsed deadlines, or the case lacking merit, it’s important to recognize that most accident injury cases are taken by dedicated attorneys. To connect with over 30 years of legal experience, share your story and objectives with the attorneys at Earnhart Law. Call 561-265-2220 or contact us online to schedule a fee-free consultation.
