Most people assume that once a lawyer agrees to take on their personal injury case, they’ll see it through to the end. And in many situations, they do. But there are cases where a lawyer chooses to step away from a case—sometimes early on, sometimes in the middle of the process. If that happens to you, it can be frustrating and confusing.

You might ask yourself: Was my case not good enough? Or did I do something wrong? The truth is, there are a number of reasons an attorney might decide to withdraw, and not all of them have to do with the strength of your claim. Understanding these reasons can help you prepare, avoid potential problems, and know what steps to take if it happens.

Below are the most common reasons a personal injury lawyer might drop a case—and what you can do next.

The Personal Injury Case Doesn’t Hold Up to Legal Scrutiny

Sometimes, a lawyer agrees to take on a case based on the facts initially provided. But as the investigation unfolds, they may discover key issues:

In situations like these, the lawyer may determine that continuing with the case would be unethical or unproductive. Attorneys have an obligation to pursue claims that have legal standing—and if new evidence undermines your case, they may have to withdraw.

A Conflict of Interest Comes to Light

Attorneys must avoid conflicts that could compromise their objectivity. For instance, if your attorney learns that they previously represented someone connected to your case, such as the defendant or a witness, that could be a serious issue.

When a conflict arises—especially one that wasn’t obvious at the outset—they’re typically required to withdraw to protect both clients’ interests.

The Client Isn’t Cooperating

A good attorney-client relationship depends on open communication and mutual trust. If a client won’t return calls, misses appointments, or doesn’t provide necessary documentation, it becomes difficult to move the case forward.

Lawyers may also withdraw if a client:

These behaviors not only make the case harder to win but can damage the lawyer’s credibility and professional standing.

Strategic Differences Lead to a Breakdown

Sometimes, clients and attorneys don’t see eye to eye. Maybe you want to go to trial, but your lawyer recommends settling. Or perhaps you expect a large payout that the lawyer believes isn’t supported by the facts.

If these differences become unworkable, the attorney might feel it’s better for both parties to end the relationship.

Legal or Procedural Obstacles Surface

In some cases, problems that predate the lawyer’s involvement come to light. For example, you may have missed a legal filing deadline, or important evidence may have been lost or never collected.

If these barriers limit the chance of success, the attorney may decide that continuing would not serve your best interest—or theirs.

What Happens If Your Attorney Drops Your Case?

If your lawyer drops your case, they are typically required to:

  • Inform you in writing
  • Obtain court approval if your case is already filed
  • Return your case file and any unused funds

This gives you the chance to find a new attorney. Depending on why the first lawyer withdrew, another attorney may be able to take over and keep your claim alive.

How to Prevent Having Your Case Dropped By Your Lawyer

You can’t control every factor, but you can take steps to build a stronger working relationship with your lawyer:

  • Be responsive and provide documents quickly
  • Be honest about what happened and about your medical condition
  • Follow through with treatment plans
  • Keep your expectations grounded in reality
  • Ask questions, but listen to professional advice

Taking these steps shows your attorney you’re serious—and makes it easier for them to build your case.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If your attorney has dropped your case—or you’re worried that your claim isn’t moving forward—our team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is here to help. We’ve worked with clients who’ve had rocky starts elsewhere and helped them get their cases back on track.

We’ll review your situation, explain where things stand, and walk you through your options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Still have questions?

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