How Dual Representation Can Harm Your Case
Dual representation occurs when a plaintiff is represented by two (or more) different lawyers or law firms simultaneously.
This situation can lead to conflicts of interest, as the lawyers may have differing strategies or priorities.
It can also slow down the settlement process because the involved parties need to coordinate and communicate more, potentially causing delays.
Dual representation can complicate fee arrangements and reduce the overall effectiveness of legal representation, ultimately harming the plaintiff’s case.
The Factor of a Lawyer Filing Your Camp Lejeune Claim in Court
The settlement of a Camp Lejeune claim is currently a one-way street to resolution.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act requires that you file an administrative claim before you file a claim in the courts.
Once you file a claim in the courts, you can’t move backwards into the administrative phase.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act does not require that you go to court, ever.
The majority of Camp Lejeune plaintiffs will find resolution of their claim without ever continuing down the path to court.
Once a lawyer files your claim with the court, your only option is with the DOJ/Court, and there is nothing any lawyer can do to retract this filing.
Steps to Take Before Firing Your Lawyer
In personal injury cases, it is better for all parties if you first provide a notice to terminate representation to your current lawyer.
Give notice of your intent to terminate representation (see below) to the law firm you are dissatisfied with before hiring a new lawyer.
Providing Notice of Termination
While there is no restriction against seeking a second opinion, lawyers walk a tightrope between giving advice to someone who has an attorney and conflict of interest.
Most ethical personal injury law firms will avoid all appearance of impropriety and they will refuse to talk to you until you terminate your current lawyer.
An Outline of a Notice of Termination
We recommend you protect yourself by sending both an email with a “read receipt” and a certified letter that clearly states the following information:
1. Date of the letter
It’s important that you include a clear date on the letter you send the lawyer / law firm currently representing you.
2. Address the Letter to ALL Attorneys Named in your Fee Agreement.
Address this letter to ALL of the attorneys that are named in your fee agreement (if more than one (1) attorney).
If you don’t have a copy of the fee agreement you signed previously:
- Find an email from the law firm / marketing firm and ask them to send you a copy.
- After you receive this data, ask the marketing firm / law firm to remove you from their email/text/call list.
3. State your intention to terminate the representation clearly.
It’s important that you CLEARLY state your intention to terminate their representation for your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.
For example:
- “I am writing to notify you that I am terminating your legal service effective immediately”.
4. Consider adding the reason why you are terminating legal services.
This is not required, but it’s helpful to the firm to understand how they did not meet your expectations.
5. Revoke Authorization, clearly.
It’s important that you CLEARLY revoke their authorization for your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim.
For example:
- “Effective immediately, you no longer have the authority to represent or act on my behalf in any matter related to (case/matter name).”
6. Request all information gathered by the law firm for your case
Request all information filed and/or obtained by the law firm on your behalf.
This information includes, but is not limited to:
- A copy of any / all administrative filings and/or complaints filed on your behalf; and
- Medical Records obtained on your behalf.
7. If Hiring A New Law Firm (Important)
If you are hiring a new law firm to take over your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim:
- Request an accounting of all the costs incurred by your old law firm on your behalf; and
- Inform the old law firm of the name of the new law firm taking over your claim.
8. Express Appreciation (Optional)
Despite the fact that this law firm did not meet your expectations, it is likely they did their best — it is a lot of work to prepare a case for litigation.
A note as simple as this can go a long way in showing your gratitude for the effort they did put in while working with you:
- “Thank you for your services up to this point.”
9. Provide This If Hiring a New Lawyer / Law Firm for Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claim
If you are hiring another lawyer for your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit claim, provide them with:
- A copy of your termination letter; and
- Proof of delivery of that termination letter to that lawyer / law firm previously working on your claim.
Steps to Take After Firing Your Lawyer: Moving Forward with Your Claim
IMPORTANT:
- The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10th, 2024
- This is two (2) years from the date the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law.
If you have fired your Camp Lejeune Lawyer correctly, it is essential that you retain a new lawyer or personal strategy to resolve your Camp Lejeune claim.
To do so you can:
- Contact a new lawyer / law firm that specializes in Camp Lejeune Lawsuits to help you through the process and analyze all potential legal options;
- Schedule a consultation with the new lawyer to discuss your case and provide them with all relevant information and documents; and
- Communicate clearly about your expectations and any previous issues you had with your former lawyer.
An experienced lawyer will help you through the Camp Lejeune claims process correctly and efficiently.
They will ensure all necessary documents are filed promptly and accurately, preventing any delays or issues that could harm your case.
With the right legal support, you can focus on your health and trust that your claim is in the right hands.
Contact TruLaw for Help with Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
If you have any questions about the Camp Lejeune claims process, hiring a lawyer for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit, or more, reach out to TruLaw.
Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
