5 Reasons Why It’s Ok To Change Your Personal Injury Attorney

At Castan & Lecca, as a personal injury law firm, we know how difficult it can be for victims to deal with the aftermath of a serious injury, facing all the obstacles that can arise throughout the recovery process. However, having a trusted attorney that is ready to provide legal guidance and support along the way can make a difference.

On the other hand, if you feel like your attorney is not meeting your expectations or carrying out your legal process correctly and are considering changing attorneys, you may want to read this article. We explain five reasons we deem ok to replace your personal injury lawyer and tips on how to do so in an amicable manner.

Reason 1: There is a lack of proper attention and communication

One of the reasons we’ve seen that people change their attorneys in personal injury cases is due to the lawyer’s lack of attention and proper communication. Remember: always choose an attorney available to answer your questions and provide clear information about the case’s progress.

If you feel your attorney is not providing you the attention and communication you deserve, it may be time to consider finding other options elsewhere. When it comes to legal matters, you shouldn’t have to struggle to get answers or feel in the dark about the status of your case.

Reason 2: A lack of results

Another reason that it’s more than ok to change your personal injury attorney is if there is a lack of results, or you feel your case isn’t going anywhere. We recommend that it’s better to have an attorney that has experience dealing with personal injury cases and has the resources necessary to handle your case and get your compensation.

If you feel that your lawyer isn’t making any progress with your case or isn’t trying their best to get you a great settlement, it may be time to find someone else to represent you. However, we want you to know that it isn’t always possible to get a perfect outcome when it comes to personal injury cases. But what you can control is choosing an attorney that works hard to get you the best possible result and that is honest with you about your options and provide you with realistic expectations.

Reason 3: Differences in work philosophy

The third reason it’s ok to have another attorney carry out your case may be due to differences in work philosophy, or in other words, not having both your and your lawyer’s expectations aligned. Every attorney has their own style and approach in representing personal injury cases, therefore, find the right lawyer that carries out your case as you imagine it and shares the same goals.

For example, some attorneys look to settle your case as soon as possible and are willing to accept a less-than-favorable settlement offer to avoid going to trial. Whereas other lawyers are willing to go in front of a judge or a jury if that means getting the best result for their clients. That is why if you feel your current lawyer is trying to convince you to accept the first offer, start looking for other legal options elsewhere.

Although, we want you to know that changing attorneys in the middle of a legal process isn’t as easy as said as done. In addition, your new lawyer might need to start from scratch with your legal strategy and will need time to familiarize themselves with your case. But, it’s better to start over with an attorney that you feel comfortable with than one that doesn’t align with your expectations.

Reason 4: Your attorney acts in an unprofessional manner

Sadly, some lawyers may engage in unethical practices, such as failing to disclose all relevant information regarding their clients’ cases or pressuring them to accept a lowball offer. Situations like these show these unscrupulous lawyers’ true colors in representing their clients and may be a valid reason to consider changing personal injury attorneys.

Professional ethics is a set of principles and values that guide the behavior of lawyers in the practice of their profession. These principles include the duty to respect the law and ethical rules, the duty to act with integrity and honesty, and the duty to protect the interests of their clients and respect their confidentiality.

When a lawyer fails to comply with these ethical principles, what they’re really doing is hurting their relationship with their clients. Don’t settle for less when it comes to having the right attorney for your case; if you feel that your current lawyer is not acting ethically or have doubts about their behavior, start considering changing your legal representation.
 

Reason 5: There is a conflict of interest

Conflicts of interest may arise in cases, and some attorneys may feel these situations affect their ability to properly represent a client in a personal injury case. Conflicts of interest usually happen when their ability to act in the best interest of their client.

For example, if an attorney has a personal or business relationship with one of the parties involved in the case, it may be difficult for him or her to act impartially and properly represent their client’s case. Likewise, if a lawyer has previously worked with one of the parties involved in -the case that isn’t the client- or has a friendly relationship with them, there may be a conflict of interest.

If your lawyer has any conflicts of interest, they should inform you and discuss how your case can be properly handled. But if you feel that your attorney hasn’t disclosed this information, we recommend to talk them and asking them about it. It’s about whether you wish to continue with them or change attorneys.

How can I start changing my attorney?

In conclusion, there are several reasons why it becomes necessary to change attorneys in personal injury cases, including lack of proper attention and communication, lack of results, differences in work philosophy, lack of professional ethics, and conflicts of interest. It is important to find and choose an attorney you trust, seeking advice, looking at their previous results, and reading their law firm’s reviews before making a final decision.

In case you’re currently looking for new attorneys, at Castan & Lecca, we’re ready to provide you with the legal guidance and assistance you need with your personal injury case. If you wish to let us start working on your case or want to know what we can offer you, contact us for a free consultation.

 

 

 

 

What are the most common injuries after a car accident?

After an accident, it’s common for people to not see or feel any injuries at first. However, a few hours later, they may feel parts of their body becoming sore and have difficulty moving. That is why after an accident, one of the first steps should be to seek medical help right away, no matter if there seem to be no visible or severe injuries. 

Here at Castan & Lecca, we recommend accident victims see a healthcare professional within the first 24 hours after a car accident, even if they don’t feel any pain at all. Although they may have minor injuries that don’t necessarily require medical attention, it’s best to rule out any possibility of hidden injuries with long-lasting side effects.

In this blog article, we’ll let you know the most common injuries people experience after a car accident, as well as, explain how to start taking legal action for your compensation.

The most common injuries you need to look out for


Neck injuries:
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of neck injuries. These can be very serious and can affect the spine and nervous system. Symptoms may include severe pain, tingling, weakness in extremities, difficulty moving the head or neck, and trouble breathing or speaking.

Mild neck injuries may include sprains or strains, which usually heal within a few days or weeks with proper treatment. Serious neck injuries may result in fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage and may require surgery and long-term treatment.

Chest injuries: Physical damage to the chest can be very serious, since many vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, may be damaged. Symptoms associated with chest injuries include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain when swallowing, swelling, and deformity of the chest.

One of the most common chest injuries is rib fractures, which can be painful and make it difficult to breathe or move. Other types of injuries are pulmonary contusions, which are bruises to the lungs caused by the blunt force of the impact and can result in heart, lung, or liver damage.

Extremity traumas: Leg and arm injuries may include bone fractures, sprains, dislocations, and nerve damage.

The legs and arms are particularly prone to fractures after a strong impact. Fractures can either be when a bone breaks in one place or a compound bone fracture when the bone breaks or cracks through the skin.

On the other hand, sprains occur when the connective tissue surrounding the joints is damaged by a sudden movement, fall, or impact. These injuries usually occur in the ankles, knees, and elbows. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Sprains usually heal on their own within a few days or weeks with proper treatment.

Spinal cord injuries: Any damage to the spinal cord can affect the body’s ability to transmit nerve impulses. If the spinal cord is damaged, there may be a loss of sensation or paralysis in the arms or legs. In some cases, there may be damage to internal organs such as the bladder and bowels.

Spinal cord injuries can be mild or severe and may occur anywhere along the spinal column. Mild injuries may include sprains or strains, while severe injuries may include fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage. Some of these injuries can be permanent if not treated properly and may require long-term treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

Internal organ damage: After a strong impact in a car accident, internal organs may be damaged. These injuries can be severe and sometimes fatal, and may not appear or be felt immediately after the accident. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain when swallowing, and bluish or pale skin.

The most common internal organ damages occur in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and stomach. Some internal injuries may require immediate surgery to repair any damage and prevent long-term complications. Other types of internal injuries may require long-term treatments, such as medication to control pain and inflammation.

Head trauma: Any blow to the head after an impact may lead to head trauma. Victims may have symptoms like severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, impaired speech or balance, and loss of consciousness. These injuries can also cause brain contusions and internal bleeding. In some cases, head traumas can be fatal or have permanent disabilities, including paralysis, problems with memory, or speech problems.

Psychological damage: Although most people believe that the most common injuries after a car accident are physical injuries, these events can cause psychological issues. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders that stem from a traumatic car wreck and may need medical treatment to deal with them.

What happens next after noticing any injuries? How can I start taking legal action?

Car accidents happen every day. While some may be considered minor car wrecks and do not cause injury, others may cause serious injuries. The first line of defense in preventing further injuries must be finding a physician to evaluate your condition after the accident. The next step is to find an auto accident attorney ready to take on your case and get your compensation.

If you’re not sure whom to call for legal representation, at Castan & Lecca, we can take on your car accident case. Not only do we gather all the evidence needed to prove you weren’t at fault, but we can also point you to physicians or healthcare providers we trust that can provide you with the exact treatment you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(864)761-4141

Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
castan&lecca-iliana-bio

KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
castan&lecca-ken-bio

ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.