If you are thinking about changing personal injury lawyers, something may not feel right. You may not be receiving updates, may be unsure who is handling your case, or may feel that important questions are not being answered. Those concerns are understandable. An injury claim is personal, and you deserve clear communication about the process and the decisions in front of you.
Changing lawyers is an important decision, but it does not have to be made in a rush. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we can review your circumstances, listen to your concerns, and explain what a second opinion may involve. A consultation gives you a chance to ask questions and understand your options before you decide what is right for you.
Reasons People Consider Changing Lawyers
People consider a change for many reasons. Sometimes the issue is communication: calls are not returned, updates are unclear, or the client does not know who to contact. In other cases, the client has concerns about how the claim is being handled, wants another perspective on a settlement offer, or has learned that a case may be more complex than expected.
Not every delay means something is wrong. Medical treatment, insurer requests, evidence gathering, and negotiation can take time. But you should be able to understand the status of your matter and ask reasonable questions about the next steps. A second opinion can help you tell the difference between a normal delay and a communication problem that needs attention.
Review Your Current Representation Agreement
Before making a change, locate the agreement you signed with your current lawyer. It may explain the scope of representation, the fee arrangement, how costs are handled, and the steps involved if the attorney-client relationship ends. Read the document carefully and bring it to a consultation if you would like us to review it with you.
Do not assume that a contract means you have no options, and do not assume a change will be simple in every case. The answer can depend on the agreement, the work already performed, the stage of the claim, and other facts. A thoughtful review is better than acting on frustration alone.
Gather the Information You Have
You do not need to obtain a complete case file before you ask for a second opinion. Bring or share what you have: the representation agreement, letters or emails, claim numbers, medical information, a settlement offer if one has been made, and notes about the accident. It may also help to write down your questions and the specific reasons you are considering a change.
These materials can help us understand where the case stands. We can discuss what information may be useful to request and what steps could be involved if you decide to move forward with different representation.
Ask Direct Questions During a Second Opinion
A second opinion should give you clarity, not more pressure. Ask who would handle the case, how communication will work, what information is still needed, and what the lawyer sees as the immediate priorities. You may also want to ask how your current fee agreement and any case costs would be addressed.
A responsible lawyer will be honest about what can and cannot be assessed from the information available. No one should promise a result or tell you that a better outcome is guaranteed simply because you change lawyers.
Do Not Let Important Deadlines or Offers Go Unaddressed
If you have received a settlement offer, a court notice, a request for records, or another document with a stated response date, keep it and seek advice promptly. You do not have to decide on the spot, but waiting can limit the time available to understand the situation. Bring the document to the consultation or tell us about it when you call.
Likewise, continue following the guidance of your medical providers and preserving records related to your injury. Changing representation should not interrupt your care or cause you to stop documenting the effect the accident has had on your life.
Personal Injury Representation in Wisconsin
Since 1982, Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC has represented injured people in Wisconsin. We invite you to learn about our attorneys and review our published verdicts and settlements. Every matter is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers handle claims involving serious injuries, including car accidents, truck accidents, and unsafe-property injuries. If you are looking for local support in the Chippewa Valley, visit our Eau Claire personal injury page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask another lawyer for a second opinion before changing lawyers?
Yes. A second opinion can help you understand the status of your matter, what questions to ask, and whether a change makes sense. You do not need to make a decision before you speak with another lawyer.
Do I need to get my entire file before contacting a new lawyer?
No. Bring or share what you have, including your agreement, correspondence, medical paperwork, claim information, and any settlement documents. We can discuss what additional information may be useful.
Will changing lawyers delay my personal injury claim?
The effect of a change depends on the individual situation, the stage of the case, and the information that needs to be transferred or reviewed. A consultation can help you understand the practical considerations before you decide.
What if I have a settlement offer from an insurance company?
Save the offer and any documents that came with it. Before you sign a release or accept an offer, consider getting legal advice about the terms and your particular situation.
How much does it cost to talk with Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler?
We offer free consultations for personal injury matters. We can listen to your concerns, answer initial questions, and explain how representation and fees may work if we decide to move forward together.
Talk With a Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have questions about your current representation after an injury, a private conversation can help you decide what comes next. Contact Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC for a free consultation. Call (608) 784-4370 or contact us online to discuss your situation.