Can You Switch Personal Injury Lawyers in Florida?
Short answer: yes.
If you’re asking “can you switch personal injury lawyers” or “can I change lawyers during a case,” The good news is this: yes, you can switch lawyers in Florida. And if it’s done correctly, it does not ruin your case.
You can:
- Change lawyer mid case
- Switch attorneys during a lawsuit
- Change lawyers before settlement
- Switch personal injury lawyers even after filing suit
- Fire your attorney and hire a new one
You do not need your current lawyer’s permission.
Switching attorneys does not cancel your case. It does not restart the clock. It does not automatically hurt your claim.
Many people assume that once they sign a contingency contract, they are locked in. You are not.
can you fire your attorney at any time?
Yes — Even mid-case
People often search:
- can I change lawyers in the middle of a case
- can I switch lawyers in the middle of a lawsuit
- changing lawyers during settlement
- switching lawyers before trial
In Florida, you can typically switch at almost any stage.
Before settlement? Yes.
During negotiations? Yes.
After filing a lawsuit? Yes.
During litigation? Yes.
The only time it becomes too late is after you sign final settlement documents. Once that agreement is executed, it’s binding.
If you are asking “when is it too late to change lawyers,” the answer is usually: after settlement is finalized or if a trial is literally days away and the court won’t allow substitution.
Otherwise, you have options.
How to Fire a Lawyer in Florida (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Hire the New Lawyer First
Never fire your attorney without securing new representation. Your new firm will handle the transition for you.
This is critical if you’re asking “can I fire my attorney and hire a new one.” Yes — but line up the new firm first.
Step 2 – termination notice
Your new lawyer sends a formal termination letter and, if a lawsuit is filed, files a substitution of counsel with the court.
You do not have to personally argue or have a conversation AT ALL with your old firm.
Step 3 – File Transfer
Under Florida Bar rules, your case file belongs to you. That includes:
- Medical records
- Correspondence
- Evidence
- Investigation materials
- Court filings
If your former lawyer refuses to cooperate, your new attorney can enforce the transfer.
Step 4 – Fee Split
If you’re worried “will I have to pay two lawyers?,” the answer is, not exactly.
Personal injury cases are contingency-based. The total agreed fee stays the same. Sometimes, attorneys have a fee for work already performed, but clients don’t pay extra just because they switched.
Does Switching Lawyers Hurt My Case?
If done correctly, switching does not harm your claim.
Deadlines stay the same. Evidence remains valid. The insurance company does not gain an advantage simply because you changed representation.
In fact, switching can sometimes improve your case if:
- Your case felt stalled
- Negotiations lacked urgency
- You were pressured into low offers
- Communication was poor
A motivated firm can re-evaluate liability, reassess damages, and move the case forward.
When Should You Not Switch?
For balance and clarity, there are moments when switching may not make sense.
If your case is already fully settled and documents are signed, it is too late.
If trial is days away, the court may deny substitution to prevent delay.
But if you are consistently feeling unhappy with your injury lawyer..that question is probably coming from something real.
Thinking About Switching Personal Injury Firms in Florida?
Switching attorneys does not cancel your claim. It does not automatically delay your case. And it does not mean you will pay two full fees.
But it should be done correctly.
That’s exactly why we built a structured transition system.
If you’re considering changing personal injury lawyers in Florida, learn more about how our Intake Concierge Experience™ makes the process smooth and strategic:
demandthelimits.com/reasons-to-switch
You deserve communication.
You deserve clarity.
And you deserve a legal team that treats your case like it matters.
