Can I change my mind on an offer for compensation on my 7 year injury? 21 Answers as of February 17, 2012

One of the risks you face if you go back on your oral acceptance is that your attorney will withdraw while claiming a lien. The combination of your filing having a lien from another attorney and your former attorney having withdrawn may make it impossible or difficult to get another lawyer to take over. Another risk of going back on your oral acceptance is that your lawyer will say, OK, and take the case to trial but you have already stated that you don't have faith in his ability. You are in a difficult situation which illustrates the importance of using avvo.com ratings or doing other research on lawyers before hiring them in the first place. Finally, you ask, "Do I have to take the offer?" It is possible that if your attorney already conveyed your acceptance to the other side, the other side to do a Motion to Enforce Settlement and make you take the offer. But even if that doesn't happen, as I have discussed above, there are practical difficulties you face if you revoke your acceptance. You should really consult an attorney in your jurisdiction about what to do. A local attorney presented with more facts than you can put into a question here could advise you if the offer is fairly reasonable, all things considered, or not. The local lawyer could also advise you if he or she thinks you would have difficulty getting a new lawyer at this point in the case. Good luck.

Sure you can; however your concern shouldn't be how long the case has gone on but how strong is your case (i.e. what's the extent of the injury, what is the affected area, is there any permanent disability, etc ...). Whatever decision you make, remember that it's you who will have to live with it in the end (good or bad - you own it).

No. You are not legally obligated to take the offer. But, if your lawyer puts it in writing then you may be obligated. You have to get ahold of him right away to tell him that you've changed your mind before he commits you.

Yes. You need to let the attorney know asap that you have changed your mind. If the attorney has signed a settlement agreement with the opposing counsel you could have trouble on a potential breach of contract claim. However, you case isn't fully settled until you sign a release of liability and the Court signs an order dismissing the suit.

A case is not settled until releases are signed by you. If you are doubtful that the amount offered is enough to compensate you for your injuries you should contact your attorney as soon as possible. You should also make an appointment to meet with your attorney to discuss your case and find out why he things the offer is within the ball park.

You cannot change your mind now. You have accepted the offer. If you renege, the opposing counsel would file a motion to enforce settlement and you would end up with the same amount anyway.

You have given him authority to settle the case, but at this early stage you ought to call him and ask him to back water. He may be able to do that without consequence. I don't know anything about your case. It is worth nothing because of the passage of time or your worrying about it. it is worth something ONLY because of the liability question (is it good and strong?) was there a lot of physical damage? Did you get a significant injury? Did you have high bills? If any of these answers is no then you may not have much of a case stripped of the emotion and frustration you have. It is obvious you dont trust your lawyer. Why don't you find new counsel and pick someone you can trust.

You can change your mind until you sign a release. You should tell the attorney immediately before the other side takes action in response to his call to them.

If you want to back out you need to act fast. You made an offer which may have been communicated to the defendant. If it has AND the defendant has accepted it, I believe you are stuck with the offer.

You should contact your attorney immediately and let him/her know that you have given a lot of thought to the settlement and that you have changed your mind. You should state the specific reasons why you don't want to now accept the offer.