Having to call a personal injury lawyer can be scary. You’re injured, dealing with the insurance company, and then you hear something unexpected: “We’re going to refer your case to another law firm.” This can be confusing, especially when you trusted the attorney to handle your case, and now they’re passing it on to someone else without a clear explanation.
It may feel upsetting to have your case referred, but it isn’t a bad thing! We’re here to help guide you to understanding referrals in personal injury cases.
Why Is My Case Being Referred?
In a personal injury case, a referral happens when one attorney transfers a case to another.
Referrals in personal injury cases are more common than you might think. Your attorney’s decision to refer your case doesn’t mean they don’t care or don’t believe in your case. Instead, it often means they’re placing your case in the right hands to guarantee you’re getting the best possible outcome.
There are many different reasons your case could be referred. For example, your case may be outside of that firm’s practice area or jurisdiction. Some personal injury law firms focus on specific types of personal injury, such as car accidents, while others focus on medical malpractice cases. If a firm doesn’t frequently take cases like yours, they may refer you to a law firm that does.
This often ties into jurisdictional issues. Each state has its own laws governing personal injury cases. For example, if you were injured in Arizona but live in Texas, a Texas personal injury attorney might refer you to an Arizona attorney who is more familiar with the specific statutes and regulations in that state.
An attorney should always be completely honest and transparent throughout the referral process and explain exactly why your case is being referred.
Who Are the Trusted Co-Counsels?
At Daniel Stark, we refer to the law firms we collaborate with as “trusted co-counsel” because we have complete confidence in their ability to fight for our clients with the same dedication we do. We want our clients to feel secure knowing that we’ve thoroughly vetted these legal teams before entrusting them with their cases.
When your primary attorney refers your case to another law firm, it’s not a random decision. Trusted co-counsels are carefully selected based on their reputation, expertise, and proven track record.
In many cases, your original attorney will continue to monitor your case. At Daniel Stark, when we refer a case to a trusted co-counsel, we ensure the case stays on track by receiving regular updates from the partnering firm.
Will I Have to Pay Both Fees?
A common concern with referrals is the thought of having multiple legal fees deducted from your settlement. Rest assured, this is typically not the case.
Most personal injury firms use a contingency fee agreement, so you won’t owe any fees upfront to either attorney. If an attorney at Daniel Stark refers your case to another law firm, you’ll still only owe one attorney fee to your new trusted co-counsel once your case is settled.
If you’ve been injured, contact a personal injury attorney. They can help guide you to the resources you need to get your life back on track and ensure your case is handled with care and expertise.
