When you hire a liability lawyer, you are paying for more than legal filings and courtroom appearances. You are paying for guidance through a stressful process, and that includes regular updates. Many clients ask how often they should hear from their attorney. The answer depends on your case, but you have more control than you think.
Your lawyer has a professional duty to inform you of important developments. That includes settlement offers, court deadlines, and any decisions that could affect your claim. You also have the right to copies of relevant documents. The law does not specify exact communication intervals, but reasonable expectations apply.
Early in your case, expect heavy communication. Your lawyer must gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements. You might hear from them several times in the first weeks. Then activity slows down. Insurance adjusters take time to respond. Records take time to arrive. Periods of two to three weeks with no updates are normal and not a cause for worry.
What is not normal is silence for over a month. If that happens, reach out. A brief email or phone call asking for a status update is not annoying. Most lawyers welcome engaged clients. If you do not get a response within a few business days, try again. A second unanswered message signals a problem.
Certain updates cannot wait. If the defense offers a settlement, your lawyer must tell you before responding. If a court sets a trial date, you need to know immediately. Ask your lawyer early on how they will communicate major news. Will they call, email, or use a client portal? Establishing this at the first meeting prevents frustration later.
You also need updates you can understand. A proper update explains what has been done, what happens next, and what choices you face. For example, your lawyer might say: “We requested your hospital records. They will arrive in two weeks. After I review them, I will send you a summary of how they impact our demand.“ That is clear. If your lawyer uses legal terms or acronyms, ask for plain English. A good lawyer will gladly translate. A poor one may make you feel foolish. Never accept that.
You cannot make smart decisions about your claim without good information. Settlement offers, treatment costs, and lost wages all depend on facts you know better than anyone. Regular updates keep you ready to step in when your input matters. They also reduce your anxiety, knowing that someone is actively handling your case.
Communication is a two-way street. Tell your lawyer your preferred method. If you check email constantly, say so. If you want phone calls, ask for them. Knowing each other’s styles reduces friction. And remember that no update is not the same as no progress. Your lawyer might be quietly negotiating or waiting on records. But you are entitled to hear about that waiting. A simple message saying “No new developments this week, but we are still waiting on the insurance company” counts as a real update.
If your lawyer consistently fails to communicate, you have options. Start by raising the issue directly. Say, “I have not heard from you in six weeks. Can you tell me where things stand?“ Most attorneys will correct course. If they do not, consider whether you need a different lawyer. Switching lawyers is possible in liability claims, though it requires some paperwork. But your case belongs to you, not to your lawyer. You have the right to representation that respects your need for information.
Finally, be realistic about what your lawyer can tell you. If there is truly nothing new, they cannot invent news. However, they can always explain what they are working on. Courts move slowly. Medical treatment takes time. Liability claims often settle months or years after filing. That does not excuse silence. Your lawyer should keep you oriented so you know why the case is moving at its pace.
In short, you deserve regular, clear, honest case updates. You also have the responsibility to tell your lawyer how you want those updates delivered. When you establish those expectations early, the attorney-client relationship works much better. If your lawyer cannot meet that basic standard, find someone who will.
