You hired an attorney you trusted, but now something feels off — maybe communication has broken down, your case has stalled, or you simply don’t feel like your injury is being taken seriously. The good news is that in Colorado, you have every right to change lawyers at any point during your personal injury case, even after significant work has already been done. Understanding how this process works can help you make a confident, informed decision that protects your claim and your best interests.

At Mintz Law Firm, we believe that every injured person deserves an attorney who genuinely cares about their well-being, not just their case number. With over 300 years of combined experience and $20M+ recovered annually for clients since 2016, our team has stepped in at various stages of cases to deliver the dedicated representation clients deserve. Founder David J. Mintz has represented injured Coloradans for more than 35 years, and managing attorney Eric C. Staton brings over 15 years of experience to every case our firm handles.

Yes, You Can Change Attorneys Mid-Case

Colorado law gives injury victims the right to terminate their attorney-client relationship at any time. This right is protected regardless of how much progress has been made on the case or how close it may be to resolution. Your attorney works for you, and if that relationship is no longer serving your needs, you are not locked in.

That said, switching attorneys is not a decision to make lightly. There are practical considerations, including timing and potential costs, that can affect your case. Still, if your current representation is falling short, those concerns should not prevent you from seeking better help. The benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer who is truly invested in your outcome far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of making a transition.

Common Reasons Clients Switch Attorneys

People change their personal injury attorneys for many different reasons, and none of them require justification. Some of the most common include:

• Lack of communication or difficulty reaching the attorney directly
• Feeling like a case number rather than a person
• Disagreement over settlement offers or legal strategy
• Concerns about the pace of the case or missed deadlines
• A general loss of confidence in the representation being provided

Whatever your reason, the choice to change attorneys is yours to make.

What Happens to Fees When You Switch?

One of the biggest concerns injury victims have about switching attorneys is money. Most personal injury lawyers in Colorado work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. When you change attorneys, the original attorney may have a lien on your case for the work they performed. This means they could claim a portion of any eventual settlement or judgment.

Typically, the two firms will divide the contingency fee between themselves based on the work each one contributed. In most cases, this arrangement does not increase what you pay out of pocket. The total fee generally remains the same percentage of your recovery that you originally agreed to.

Timing Matters: When Is It Too Late to Switch?

While you technically can switch attorneys at any stage, the closer you are to trial or a settlement agreement, the more complicated a transition becomes. Changing attorneys just before a trial date or after a settlement has been reached can create delays or legal complications. If you are early in the process, a transition is generally smoother and less disruptive to your case.

One important factor in Colorado is the statute of limitations. For most personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. A new attorney will need time to review your case thoroughly, so switching should be done with enough runway to act effectively on your behalf. The sooner you recognize that something is not working, the better positioned you will be to make a change without jeopardizing your claim.

How to Make the Switch

Changing attorneys is straightforward. Once you have identified a new attorney and signed a representation agreement with them, your new lawyer will typically handle notifying your previous attorney and requesting your case file. Your file, including all records, documents, and evidence gathered so far, belongs to you and must be transferred to your new representation.

Working with an attorney who prioritizes direct communication and personal attention, as outlined in how an attorney can get a much better settlement, can make a significant difference in your outcome. The transition itself is a routine part of legal practice, and a competent incoming attorney will know how to review and take over the case efficiently.

Contact Mintz Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you are unsatisfied with how your injury case is being handled, our experienced attorneys at Mintz Law Firm are ready to step in and provide the level of care and dedication your case deserves. We view every client as a person, not a number, and we commit to staying in regular contact with you throughout every step of the legal process. Our firm has been fighting for injured Coloradans for over 30 years, and our results speak for themselves.

You deserve representation that takes your injury seriously from day one. Reach out through our free consultation request form or contact our office today to speak with one of our attorneys and find out how we can help you move forward.