If you’ve been injured in an accident and decided to contact a personal injury lawyer, it can be discouraging when they say, “Sorry, I can’t take your case.” You might walk away confused, frustrated, or even questioning the strength of your claim.
However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s worth understanding that there are several valid reasons why a lawyer might not take your personal injury case. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid unless they win or settle your case. Because of this, attorneys tend to be selective with the cases they accept. It’s not always personal—it’s often about risk, time, and chances of recovery.
Let’s break down the most common reasons a PI lawyer may turn you down.
1. There’s Not Enough Evidence
One of the first things a lawyer will look at is the evidence. Can your injuries be clearly linked to the accident? Is there sufficient documentation, like photos, medical records, or eyewitnesses?
If it’s your word against someone else’s and no supporting evidence exists, a lawyer may feel the case is too weak to pursue. A good case is built on solid facts, not just feelings or assumptions.
2. The Statute of Limitations Has Passed
Every state has a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In many places, it’s two or three years from the date of the incident, though this can vary.
If you’ve waited too long to seek legal help, the lawyer may not be able to take the case, even if it’s otherwise strong. No lawyer wants to invest time in a case that’s likely to be dismissed because it’s filed too late.
3. The Damages Are Too Minor
Even if liability is clear, a lawyer might decline a case if the injuries or financial losses are too minor. Remember, attorneys usually get paid a percentage of the final settlement. If the case is likely to settle for a small amount, the legal costs outweigh the potential earnings for both you and the attorney.
In short, the math has to make sense. A lawyer’s goal is to get you fair compensation, but if the amount is small and the work involved is extensive, they may feel it’s not worth pursuing.
4. You May Have Been Partly or Mostly at Fault
In some cases, your actions may have contributed to the accident. While some states still allow partial compensation under comparative negligence laws, others have stricter rules.
If a lawyer thinks a jury would view you as mostly responsible, they may decide the case isn’t worth the risk. It’s not about blaming the victim—it’s about predicting how a court might see things and weighing the odds of success.
5. The Defendant Can’t Pay
Winning a case on paper is one thing; collecting the money is another. If the person or business responsible for your injury doesn’t have insurance or assets, it may be impossible to recover compensation. Lawyers have to consider whether a favorable verdict will actually result in payment. If not, they may turn the case down regardless of how justified your claim seems.
6. Conflict of Interest or Schedule Constraints
Sometimes, it’s not about your case at all. A lawyer might already be representing the other party or may be too overloaded to give your case the attention it deserves. In these situations, it’s better for them to refer you elsewhere than to take you on and not follow through.
What You Can Do Next
If a lawyer turns you down, don’t lose hope. Ask them politely for the reason—they may offer useful feedback. You can also seek a second or third opinion. Every attorney has different experience, capacity, and perspective.
Just because one lawyer isn’t fit doesn’t mean your case is doomed. The key is persistence and understanding that the legal process isn’t just about emotions—it’s about building a strong, provable claim that makes legal and financial sense.