Can I change solicitors during a personal injury claim?
Making a personal injury claim can be a vital part of the recovery process, and compensation can support your physical and mental wellbeing following an accident that wasn't your fault. The right solicitors can make it easy to claim, and do much of the work on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery. However, the process can be much more difficult if you're unhappy with the lawyer you've chosen.
Thankfully, you're always free to change solicitors during the claims process. At Switalskis, we can handle the transfer of your case and any paperwork, and pick up most claims where they left off. That means you can switch solicitors without disruption and work with a law firm that better represents your interests.
To discuss your reasons for switching solicitors and learn whether we can help, or find out if we can take on your case, get in touch with the team at Switalskis today. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our website.
Our personal injury specialists are accredited by the Law Society, Headway and APIL, reflecting the skill and dedication we bring to every case.
We’ve been helping injured people for decades, securing millions in compensation to cover rehabilitation, lost earnings, care, and future needs.
We understand how difficult life can feel after a serious injury. You’ll have a solicitor by your side who listens, supports you, and keeps everything clear and straightforward.
Access to justice should never depend on finances. Many of our cases are funded on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you won’t pay anything unless your claim succeeds.
To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.
Switching solicitors during a personal injury claim is usually a straightforward process when it's handled by experts. When you change to Switalskis, we'll handle most of the paperwork on your behalf to keep things simple.
At this point, your claim carries on under the representation of your new solicitor. While they may revisit some of the work done by the previous solicitors, the claim will continue rather than needing to start again from scratch.
When changing personal injury solicitors, it’s important to select a new solicitor who can handle your claim efficiently and give you confidence. The first step may be to think about your issues with your existing solicitors and try to find a firm that can address those specific challenges.
When choosing a new legal firm, consider looking for the following assets to secure the best possible legal representation:
You can often assess this during an initial consultation. Switalskis is committed to clear and effective communication with our clients.
Choosing the right solicitor after switching can give your claim better direction and increase your confidence in how it’s handled. A good solicitor will be open about how the process works and what to expect when taking over from your previous legal representative. At Switalskis, we specialise in personal injury, offer clear advice on funding arrangements, provide high-quality client communication and have a track record of success in a range of high-value claims. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.
Many people consider changing personal injury solicitors because they don't think they're being offered enough compensation, and this is a valid concern. However, there's no easy way to know how much your compensation claim may be worth - there's no average amount of compensation that fits every situation or injury. Compensation should be calculated based on aspects like the nature and extent of your injury, any financial losses you experienced due to your accident, and estimates of how it could affect your needs in the future (based on medical evidence or statements from independent experts).
If your solicitor isn't meeting your needs and you believe you're entitled to more compensation than your current law firm can secure, the only way to be sure is to seek a professional opinion. At Switalskis, we'll listen to the circumstances of your injury and work to understand the nature of your claim. That way, we can offer straightforward advice about whether your current solicitors are doing the best they can, or whether we feel confident that we could improve on their performance.
Compensation is split into general damages for the pain and suffering caused by an injury, and special damages that address costs and financial losses. Solicitors with the right expertise know all of the aspects to consider when calculating the value of a compensation claim, to deliver the maximum amount of compensation for the injured party. As such, we can advise you on whether your personal injury solicitors have reliably calculated what you're owed. If not, we are always happy to take over from your previous solicitors, and work to settle the matter as quickly as possible without settling for any less compensation than you deserve.
As well as compensation payments, the time it takes to have the claim settled differs depending on the circumstances of your injury, and we can help you determine whether negotiations or court proceedings are going too slowly, or whether the time frame lines up with what we'd expect based on your situation. From there, we can give you a better sense of how long your claim should take, when you should expect to receive compensation or interim payments, and what could happen if you left your current solicitor to work with us.
You can change solicitors at any stage during a claim, although it is best to do this as early as possible if you have concerns. In most cases, a new solicitor should be able to pick up a personal injury case and carry it forward straight away. While they may need to revisit certain aspects of the work done by the other law firm, the claim doesn't restart. This means that it won't affect your eligibility to claim, even if you're well outside the three-year time limit for a personal injury claim when your new solicitor starts work.
However, once your compensation has been settled and agreed, it will be too late to reopen your case. While you may be entitled to make a professional negligence claim against your former solicitor, it's easiest to make sure you work with a solicitor you trust throughout the process. At Switalskis, we're happy to discuss your concerns and we'll make sure you don't feel pressured to switch at any point while we review your case and offer tailored advice.
If you’re injured by a defective product, you may claim compensation. Switalskis’ solicitors guide clients through proving defects, gathering evidence, identifying liable parties, and negotiating or litigating settlements, ensuring manufacturers, retailers, or distributors are held accountable for harm caused.
Workplace accidents are unfortunately common, affecting thousands of employees across various industries in the UK. In just a single moment you can suffer serious injuries, long-term pain, not to mention affecting both your mental wellbeing and financial stability.
A workplace accident can happen unexpectedly, impacting your health, wellbeing and income. Whether you have suffered a minor injury or a more serious accident, it is essential to take the right steps to protect your safety, financial security, and legal rights.
Product liability laws hold companies accountable when any defective products they sell cause harm. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 people who are injured by a defective product can seek compensation without having to prove negligence.
In some cases, you can make a compensation claim on behalf of a loved one who died from or injuries that were caused by an accident. Even with legal and emotional support from Switalskis, these situations can be difficult. Our experts have put together this bereavement guide to help you cope during your period of grief.
If you’ve started the process of making a personal injury claim and are unhappy with your solicitor, the good news is that it’s easy to switch. Switalskis will handle the process on your behalf, and pick up your claim where it left off. Find out more about how we can help in our guide to switching solicitors.
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To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.
You're entitled to switch solicitors at any stage of the personal injury claims process if you're unhappy with how your current solicitor is handling your case. In fact, you have the right to switch solicitors without giving a formal reason, so you’re not tied in indefinitely. This applies even if you have a conditional fee agreement or other legal contract in place with your previous solicitor - although there may be legal costs to pay as part of the switch.
There may be a short delay while the new solicitor obtains your file and familiarises themselves with the case. However, your previous solicitor has a legal obligation to transfer documents to your new solicitor, and can face penalties for any delay. A competent solicitor with experience in personal injury claims should work quickly to minimise disruption, keep the claim on track and get things moving again. If concerns about delays are the reason you're thinking about changing solicitors, you can ask for an expected timeline from the law firm you're thinking of switching to.
Your case file will be transferred to the new solicitor, who will assess everything that’s been done so far, advise you on any gaps or issues and outline how they plan to proceed. The new solicitor will usually continue building your claim based on the previous solicitor’s file, which should include correspondence, medical reports and other case documents. If evidence is missing or there's more that could be collected to support specific aspects of your claim, they may revisit some of the areas already covered by your previous solicitor. However, the work the previous firm did towards your claim will not be wasted even in these cases.
When thinking about changing solicitors, it's important to know that you don’t need to justify your decision formally - simply wanting to change is enough. If you're wondering whether you've got justification to switch, or you're not sure whether your solicitor is meeting your needs, it can help to know some of the common reasons people change solicitors. This is often due to factors like poor communication, lack of progress, lack of confidence, or a breakdown in the relationship.
Some of the most common reasons to change solicitors - where a new solicitor can actually make a difference to your case - include:
One of the most common complaints is a lack of communication. If you rarely get updates, your calls and emails go unanswered or you’re left chasing progress, it can feel like your case isn’t a priority. Clear communication is a basic expectation and if it’s not happening, that’s a valid reason to look elsewhere. The right solicitor will prioritise communication and make you feel like your claim is important.
All claims take time, but if your case seems to be going nowhere and you're not getting a clear explanation, it can raise concerns. Prolonged inactivity without justification might indicate a lack of interest or competence. If the delays are out of your solicitor's hands, this can indicate that they're simply not communicating with you properly or staying proactive about chasing the other parties involved.
If you've lost confidence in your solicitor's ability to represent you effectively - whether because of mistakes, conflicting advice or a general sense that they’re not acting in your best interests - it’s difficult to continue working with them. Confidence in your solicitor matters, especially during a complex or stressful process. If your solicitor's actions have affected your faith in them, you might consider changing solicitors.
Not all personal injury solicitors have the same level of experience. If it becomes clear your solicitor is unfamiliar with the specific type of injury or circumstances you're dealing with, you may benefit from switching to someone with a more relevant background. The team at Switalskis has a broad range of experience across many different claim types and our solicitors support each other to bring the relevant knowledge and expertise to your case.
If your solicitor is pressuring you to accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect your injuries or losses, it may be useful to get a second opinion. A fresh perspective can help you make an informed decision, especially if your original solicitor decides to settle without being able to explain the reasoning behind the recommendation.
There are many ways that a solicitor's actions can create problems during a personal injury claim, including all kinds of administrative errors, documents being lost, missing deadlines, or other signs of poor organisation. These issues might seem small at first but can affect the outcome of your case if left unresolved, and it's important to have full trust in your solicitor when they're working on something so important to your future.
If you ask what’s happening with your case and the answer is vague or evasive, it can create unnecessary stress. A good solicitor will explain what’s been done, what still needs to be done and what to expect. If that clarity is missing, switching might help you get back on track.
The reason for changing solicitors may not be because you're unsatisfied with how your current solicitor is handling your case. You might move to a new area and want someone local, or you may feel more comfortable working with a solicitor who specialises in claims involving your particular condition or circumstances, even if your previous solicitor hasn't done anything wrong. Any of these are legitimate reasons to consider switching, and speaking to other solicitors about taking on your claim can let you know whether this is the right option for you or not.
When you change solicitors halfway through the claims process, it's bound to affect your claim - but often for the better. If you move to a solicitor with more experience or a better understanding of your case, this can lead to a better outcome. If your new solicitor is better at communication and more responsive to your needs, you may also find the process less stressful and easier to manage. An experienced personal injury solicitor may have a more thorough knowledge of your condition and the ways it has affected your life, which can help them to maximise the compensation you receive.
With this said, changing solicitors very late in the process or switching multiple times could slow things down or add complications. It’s worth speaking to a new solicitor in detail before deciding, to find out how they can help and what you can expect if they take over your claim.
The process of switching solicitors is usually handled by your new solicitor. They’ll request your file from your former solicitor and may ask you to sign a form of authority to do this. The process should be straightforward and doesn’t require you to speak directly with your old solicitor if you don't want to.
Whether or not you need to pay your former solicitor for the work completed when you switch depends on the arrangement in place. In most cases, personal injury claims are pursued under a conditional fee agreement, also known as a no win, no fee arrangement. This means that there are no legal fees to pay at the start of the process - you only pay at the end, provided your claim is successful.
Your new solicitor will usually review the terms of your existing conditional fee agreement and may need to draw up a new one, if there are conflicts with the terms of your existing agreement. If there are legal costs associated with work already carried out, your new solicitor will factor that in before taking over the case. In many cases, they will agree to pay any outstanding fees owed to the former solicitor out of the compensation you're awarded when your claim is resolved. This is called a ‘deed of assignment’, a ‘lien’ or an ‘undertaking’. You should discuss this with your new solicitor before switching as they will handle this as part of the handover process.
You can technically switch solicitors at any point, including near trial or during court proceedings - although most personal injury claims are settled before this point. However, the later you switch, the more complex and challenging the process may become.
A new solicitor will need time to get up to speed, and some may be reluctant to take over a claim that’s already close to settlement or trial unless they see a clear benefit to doing so. In some cases, a new solicitor may believe that your original solicitor has not calculated your compensation correctly or considered all of your needs, in which case they may feel motivated to take on the case.
If you have concerns about your first solicitor and believe they have breached their legal obligations in handling your case, there may be other actions you can take when it's too late to switch - for example, making a formal complaint against them. The first step is to complain directly to the solicitor's firm, as all regulated firms must have a complaints procedure in place. Ask for the procedure, which will outline how to raise your complaint, who to contact and how long it may take to receive a response.
In the complaint, explain clearly what went wrong and what outcome you’re seeking. The firm must then investigate and respond, usually within eight weeks. If you’re not happy with the response, or if the firm fails to respond within the required time, you can escalate the complaint to the Legal Ombudsman. This is an independent body that handles complaints about poor service by solicitors.
The Legal Ombudsman can investigate complaints about:
You must usually contact the Ombudsman within six months of receiving a final response from the solicitor, and no later than one year from the act or omission you’re complaining about (or the date you became aware of it).
If your complaint involves dishonesty, discrimination, fraud, breaches of confidentiality, or other ethical concerns, you can also report the solicitor to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA regulates the conduct of solicitors and has the power to fine, suspend or strike off those found guilty of professional misconduct.
If court proceedings have already begun, the court needs to know that you have switched. Your new solicitor will file a ‘notice of change’ with the court on your behalf. This is a standard step in the process and is normally handled by your new solicitor as part of taking over the case, so there's nothing you need to do.
The specialist personal injury solicitors at Switalskis have helped clients across the UK to switch solicitors and secure the compensation they were entitled to. We know that compensation should address all of your needs following an accident, but we also believe the legal process should be as simple as possible. Here's how we make things easier for you:
The process of claiming compensation can be complicated and involve confusing terminology. Our team is committed to breaking down legal language into straightforward terms, to make everything that's happening during your claim easier to understand. We prioritise communication and will keep you up-to-date throughout the claim.
What sets Switalskis aside as a law firm is our empathy and understanding. We know how difficult life after a car accident or injury at work can be, without changing personal injury solicitors on top. We'll take on the bulk of the work behind the scenes so you can focus on your emotional health and wellbeing.
At Switalskis, our expertise in personal injury matters means you can rely on us for a second opinion on your case. It enables us to give you the right advice to ensure your success and secure the compensation you're entitled to on your behalf.
If you've been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you have a legal right to compensation. You also have the right to change solicitors at any time if you decide you're unhappy, or aren't sure you're getting the service you deserve. The Switalskis team will support you to uphold these rights and make the claims process as straightforward as possible to protect your rights.
Call our team today to learn more about how you can make an accident at work claim. Contact us on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch with us through our website.