Is Your Lawyer Ignoring You?

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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.

Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers: Our Commitment to Communication

At the Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we believe that communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. We understand that dealing with legal issues can be stressful, and we strive to promptly respond to our clients’ requests for information and keep them informed about their case’s progress. Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process with ease and professionalism.

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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 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.