Oakland, CA asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for California

Q: What should I do? Please help

August 24 I was in a personal injury/discrimination type of situation, I contacted an attorney, he took the case. Then he emailed me yesterday and said he does not wish to represent me anymore????

I feel he was kind of upset because I brought it to his attention about him not keeping me updated about my case and I also informed him that his legal assistant being very rude every time me and her communicated about the case. This attorney never kept me updated with anything! Every time I try to get in contact with him he would just give me the cold shoulder! This incident happened seven months ago, I don’t know what to do, can anyone help? Should I find a new attorney? Do I have to start over from the beginning? , will a new attorney take this case? will they pick up where we left off? I don’t know help please help help help. He sent me my case file also…what should I do with it?

4 Lawyer Answers
Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Jess Ranch, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Take your file to another attorney right away. Make sure you are upfront with the new lawyer, what your expectations are regarding communications concerning your case. You can keep interviewing attorneys until you meet one with whom you have a good relationship.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your attorney. Here are some steps you can take:

Find a new attorney: You should start by finding a new attorney who is willing to take your case. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for referrals or search online for attorneys in your area who specialize in personal injury and discrimination cases.

Request a copy of your case file: You should ask your former attorney for a copy of your case file so that you can provide it to your new attorney. This file may include important documents, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

Ask your new attorney about the status of your case: Your new attorney can review your case file and provide you with an update on the status of your case. They can also advise you on whether they can pick up where your previous attorney left off or if they will need to start the case over from the beginning.

Address any concerns with your previous attorney: If you have concerns about your previous attorney's conduct, you may want to address them directly with the attorney or their law firm. You can also file a complaint with the California State Bar Association, which regulates attorneys in California.

Take care of yourself: Dealing with a personal injury and discrimination case can be stressful and emotionally challenging. It's important to take care of yourself during this time by seeking support from loved ones, engaging in self-care activities, and considering therapy or counseling if needed.

Remember that you have the right to legal representation and to seek justice for the harm that you have experienced. A new attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue your case to the best of their abilities.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: yes, contact a new local lawyer.

s/he will request a copy of your file and continue the matter on your behalf.......if the case has merit.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY

A: One option in seeking consults with new attorneys, as my colleagues have recommended. In addition to your own searches, there is a tab above, "Find a Lawyer." Good luck

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.