You should expect regular updates from your personal injury attorney, but the timing depends on what’s happening in your case. Some weeks bring a lot of activity. Others are quieter while your lawyer waits on records, insurance responses, or medical progress.
What matters most is that you’re not left guessing. You should know what’s going on, what comes next, and how to reach your lawyer when you have questions.
When you schedule a free consultation with a San Luis Obispo personal injury lawyer at Ernst Law Group, we can work with you to determine a communication cadence based on your personal injury case.
What is normal communication from a personal injury attorney?
Before you hire a lawyer, gauge the firm’s communication style. Typical communication from the law firm handling your case should include regular updates about your case, filing and status reports, and when there is a settlement offer for you to consider or decisions you need to make.
It can be helpful to discuss what ‘regular’ communication looks like for the firm you’re speaking with. For some, it may be twice a month, while others may only reach out when there is news. Setting expectations ahead of time can make the process less stressful.
What factors affect how often your lawyer communicates with you?
How often you hear from your lawyer depends on a few things. One of the biggest factors is communication style (both yours and your attorney’s) and what you’ve agreed to at the start of the case.
Lawyers in California are required to keep clients reasonably informed about their case. What that looks like in practice depends on how active your case is and how you prefer to communicate. A seasoned trial lawyer will also know when to step in with updates, even during quieter stretches, so you’re not left wondering what’s happening.
How often should you expect updates during different stages of a case?
How often you hear from your personal injury attorney can vary throughout the stages of your case. You may be most likely to hear from your lawyer during the initial stages of filing a lawsuit, and then throughout the case to discuss medical treatment progress, when they submit a request for information from the defense, and when insurance companies or opposing parties provide settlement offers.
During each stage, a lawyer should communicate developments and provide counsel on how to proceed. In addition to these updates, the frequency of communication should reflect what you feel comfortable with and have discussed with your lawyer.
What should your attorney communicate to you throughout your case?
Your attorney should keep you informed about key decisions and anything that affects your case. That includes explaining your options, answering your questions, and helping you understand what each step means.
That often includes timelines like the statute of limitations, how shared fault could affect your case under California law, and what strategy makes sense based on the evidence.
Additionally, if your case requires you to go to court, you should expect your lawyer to explain the process and any additional steps that need to be taken. As they review the opposition’s discovery, they can provide insight into adjustments to your case strategy, evidence needs, and what arguments the defendant may make. Lawyers can also explain what to expect during court proceedings.
What are the signs of poor communication from a personal injury attorney?
Poor communication from a personal injury attorney can manifest in a few different ways and can be highly frustrating and discouraging. Some signs of poor communication may be very obvious, such as unreturned phone calls or emails, a lack of updates, taking certain actions without your approval, and the inability to speak directly to the lawyer you hired.
Other times, the problem is less obvious. You might get answers, but still feel unsure about what’s happening. If you leave conversations confused or feel like your concerns are being brushed off, that’s a sign that something isn’t working.
If you notice any of these signs or feel uncomfortable while talking with your lawyer, it may be time to consider alternative options.
When should you consider changing personal injury attorneys?
The ability to communicate with clients, the opposition, and other relevant parties is integral to a successful outcome in your case. If your lawyer cannot communicate clearly, fails to provide regular updates, or isn’t keeping you informed or involved in your case, it may be time to consider finding another personal injury attorney. These factors can have a negative impact on your case, and finding another lawyer who can communicate better can improve your chances of success.
Get clear communication and guidance for your injury case in California
You shouldn’t have to chase updates or wonder what’s happening with your case. Clear communication makes a stressful situation easier to manage.
The California legal team at Ernst Law Group works with clients across San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles and makes sure you understand what’s happening at each stage. Call (805) 541-0300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
