What to Do If You Haven’t Heard from Your Personal Injury Lawyer in Missouri or Illinois
The Importance of Communication in an Attorney-Client Relationship
Has it been a while since you heard from your attorney?
Are they not returning your calls or providing you with updates? Does it seem like there is no progress being made on your case and you’ve been left entirely in the dark? There is nothing more frustrating than when the attorney, who seemed so nice and attentive during your initial consultation, suddenly falls off the grid.
So, what’s going on? At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of communication in attorney-client relationships and the ethical duty that lawyers have to keep their clients informed.
The Rule of Professional Conduct and Your Rights as a Client
Under the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.4 requires attorneys to keep their clients reasonably informed about the status of their case and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information.
As a client, you have the right to be informed about your case and the decisions regarding the representation. If your lawyer is not replying to your emails or returning your calls, it can be a sign of a bigger problem. It is important to take into consideration what “promptly” and “reasonable” mean to different firms. Be sure to have this conversation with your legal team.
Reasons your attorney may not be communicating with you:
- There are no upcoming deadlines on your case. Personal injury cases have firm deadlines that must be met in order for your case to even be considered; however, often times these deadlines can be set months apart. Your attorney may be waiting until a deadline is closer to request documents or answer interrogatories.
- There are no updates to report. Personal injury cases take time and can be slow going in the early stages. Just as your attorney has deadlines, so does the other side of the docket. Your attorney may be waiting for insurers to file necessary paperwork. That means there may not necessarily be any updates to offer you. They may also be working to receive records that are relevant to your case.
- Your attorney is handling other cases on their docket. Depending on the size of a firm and the number of attorneys they have available, your lawyer may have a very large docket with dozens of active personal injury cases.
- You are not the actual client. Always consider who the victim of the accident was and who signed the contingency fee agreement. If it was your mother, your father or another relative, then, technically, you are not the attorney’s client and they cannot share case updates due to attorney-client privilege.
- You have not been taking their advice. This can be difficult to hear. They may wish to handle your case away from you. Remember, your attorney has the best interest of your case in mind and will do what is necessary to protect your claim. If you are constantly challenging or refusing to follow your attorney’s recommendations, they may be less likely to explain to you the progress they are making on your case.
- There’s bad news your attorney doesn’t want to deliver. If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren’t willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney’s control. Still, a good attorney should always be willing to deliver any news to their clients.
Why Communication Matters with Your Missouri or Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
Clear, consistent communication with your personal injury lawyer is crucial for peace of mind and case success. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand how frustrating it is when your attorney goes silent. Our team, serving clients across Missouri and Illinois, is committed to keeping you informed about your car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or slip and fall case every step of the way.
Common Reasons You Might Not Hear from Your Injury Lawyer
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No new updates or pending deadlines on your case
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Waiting for responses from insurance companies or opposing parties
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High caseloads or firm staffing issues
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You are not the official client (due to attorney-client privilege)
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Communication breakdowns or missed messages
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Unwillingness to deliver bad news
Steps to Take If Your Lawyer Isn’t Responding
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Call, email, or use your firm’s client portal or text line
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Request a copy of your legal file (it’s your right in Missouri and Illinois)
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Visit the lawyer’s office if necessary
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Consider switching to a firm like Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, known for responsive client service
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Lawyer Communication
Q1: How often should I expect to hear from my personal injury lawyer?
You should receive regular updates, especially when there’s movement in your case. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we keep clients informed at every major step and respond promptly to all inquiries.
Q2: What should I do if my lawyer won’t return my calls or emails?
First, try multiple forms of communication. If you still don’t get a response, request your legal file or consider consulting another law firm, like Mutrux Firm, that values client communication.
Q3: Can I switch lawyers if I’m unhappy with my current representation?
Yes, you have the right to change lawyers at any point. Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers can help you transition smoothly and ensure your case stays on track.
Q4: What rights do I have as a personal injury client in Missouri or Illinois?
You have the right to be informed about your case, access your legal file, and receive prompt responses to reasonable requests for information.
Remember: If you’re frustrated by a lack of communication from your current personal injury lawyer, Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help clients throughout Missouri and Illinois with responsive service, regular updates, and a commitment to your case’s success.
Reaching Out to Your Lawyer: Tips and Suggestions
If you find that you haven’t heard from your lawyer in a while, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Sending an email or making a phone call can be a great way to get an update on your case and put your worries at ease. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we have a texting line for our clients to use for an easy and quick way to communicate. However, if you still don’t receive a response, another suggestion is to stop by the lawyer’s office.
According to the Missouri Bar, the legal file is your file, not the attorney’s, and you have the right to access it. While this may not always be possible due to a lawyer’s busy schedule, it is an option that clients can consider as a last resort.
How Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers Ensure Client Communication
Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers prioritize client satisfaction by offering multiple ways to stay in touch, including phone, email, text, and even electronic signing for convenience. Our team keeps you updated on your case’s progress and is always available to answer your questions, whether your injury happened in Missouri or Illinois.
Wanting to break up with your current attorney? Call Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers
If you are fed up with your attorney and do not feel they have your best interests in mind, consider contacting Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers. At our firm, client satisfaction is our top priority. We have a supportive team and highly skilled staff to help you through the process.
Want to hire us? Great! We will take action to ensure that your case is moving forward taking into consideration any deadlines or statutes of limitation. Our office is able to make the process of the claim and overall communication as easy as possible for you. This includes electronic signings. You don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home.
You can also visit our Legal Help and Information page for more answers to frequently asked legal questions.
Bad news can strike when your lawyer goes silent
At the Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and communication. If you need legal representation or would like to learn more about our services, give us a call today.