What Are The Most Common Complaints About Attorneys?

What Are The Most Common Complaints About Attorneys?

A Guide For New York City Accident Victims

When you are seriously injured in New York City, hiring a lawyer is supposed to make your life easier, not become a second source of stress.

Yet many injured New Yorkers tell us their biggest frustrations are not with insurance companies or defendants, but with their own attorneys:

• “No one calls me back.”
• “I never see the lawyer I hired.”
• “My case just sits there.”
• “I am not getting straight answers.”

Most attorneys work hard and act ethically. Unfortunately, some are careless, inattentive, or not equipped to handle severe NYC personal injury cases. Their conduct can:

• Destroy your trust
• Jeopardize your car accident, construction accident, or slip and fall claim
• Cost you compensation you cannot afford to lose

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City personal injury lawyers take those complaints personally. Our practice is built around solving the problems people most often have with lawyers so that injured New Yorkers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island feel heard, respected, and protected.

This page explains the most common complaints about attorneys, how these issues affect NYC accident cases, and what you can do if you see the warning signs.

Complaint 1: “I Never Talk To A Lawyer, Only Staff.”

In many high-volume New York personal injury firms, you meet a partner once, then:

• You get passed between case managers, assistants, and junior associates
• You rarely, if ever, speak to the lawyer whose name is on the door
• You feel like a file number, not a person whose life just changed

When you are dealing with pain, lost wages, and doctor visits, not being able to talk to your actual attorney feels like a betrayal.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Is Different

At our firm:

• Your case is handled by an experienced NYC accident attorney, not just staff.
• You have direct access to your lawyer for questions, strategy, and significant decisions.
• We treat personal communication as a core part of representation, not a luxury.

You are trusting us in one of the most vulnerable periods of your life. You deserve to know the lawyer who is fighting for you.

Free Consultation – Talk To A Lawyer, Not A Call Center
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or fill out our online form to speak directly with a New York City personal injury lawyer today.

Complaint 2: “My Lawyer Never Calls Me Back.”

The number one complaint from clients across the country is simple:

“My lawyer will not call me back.”

Common experiences include:

• No response to calls or emails for days or weeks
• Vague answers that do not actually explain what is happening
• No clear information about court dates, deadlines, or settlement offers

In a New York City injury case, this silence is not only rude. It can be dangerous.

Why Communication Matters So Much In NYC Accident Cases

When your attorney does not communicate:

• You cannot make informed decisions about settlement offers.
• You may miss opportunities to provide essential documents or updates.
• You may not know about upcoming court appearances, medical examinations, or deadlines.
• Your stress and anxiety rise because you are left in the dark.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, New York lawyers must keep clients reasonably informed and respond to reasonable requests for information. In severe cases, ignoring clients can directly lead to the loss of rights.

If your lawyer also fails to respond to courts or opposing counsel, it can cause:

• Missed statutes of limitations for car accidents, construction accidents, and premises liability cases
• Missed 90-day Notices of Claim for cases against the City of New York or public agencies
• Dismissal of lawsuits or sanctions that weaken your case

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Handles Communication

We believe communication is a form of advocacy. We commit to:

• Regular status updates, even when the update is “nothing has changed yet, and here is why.”
• Reasonable response times to calls and emails that we set and honor
• Plain English explanations of what is happening, what comes next, and what it means for your New York City injury claim
• Proactive outreach before major milestones, such as settlement conferences, mediations, or key medical evaluations

If your lawyer will not call you back, our NYC accident attorneys will.

Complaint 3: Cases Quietly Handed Off To Someone Else

Many New York City clients are shocked to discover that:

• Another firm is actually doing most of the work on their case.
• They never meet or even learn the name of the lawyer handling the file.
• Fee sharing or referral arrangements were never clearly explained.

Partnering with other lawyers can benefit clients by adding skills or resources. The problem arises when it is hidden.

How We Handle Co-Counsel and Referrals

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• Your primary attorney is clearly identified and stays actively involved.
• If we collaborate with co-counsel, we tell you in advance, obtain your consent, and explain the reasons.
• We ensure you know who is doing what, so your case never feels like it disappeared into a black hole.

You have a right to know who is actually responsible for your New York City personal injury case.

Complaint 4: Disorganization And Missed Deadlines

A disorganized lawyer can be just as harmful as a dishonest one. Warning signs include:

• Missed court or filing deadlines
• Lost or misplaced records and police reports
• Last-minute scrambling before court appearances or depositions
• No clear roadmap after the initial consultation
• Constant changes in strategy with no explanation

In New York, personal injury law is deadline-driven. For example:

• Most negligence claims, such as car crashes and slip and falls, have a three-year statute of limitations, with shorter deadlines for wrongful death.
• Claims against the City of New York or public entities usually require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
• Courts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island issue strict scheduling orders for discovery and motion practice.

If your attorney misses these deadlines, your case can be dismissed, or your leverage can be severely reduced.

Our Approach To Deadlines And Case Management

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We track statutes of limitations, Notice of Claim deadlines, and court dates meticulously.
• We gather evidence early, including accident reports, surveillance, witness statements, and medical records.
• We comply with court schedules and communicate clearly about important dates.
• We treat every case with urgency, regardless of size.

You should never find out about a missed deadline after it is too late to fix it.

Complaint 5: “There Was No Real Legal Analysis, Just A Gut Feeling.”

Another common complaint is that the lawyer:

• Jumped into litigation or a heated dispute without thoroughly evaluating the law
• Allowed anger or emotion to drive decisions instead of strategy
• Could not explain why your claim was strong, weak, or risky
• Sold you on a significant result at the beginning, then quietly lowered expectations without an apparent reason

In New York City personal injury cases, real legal analysis matters:

• Not every injury can be tied to legally provable negligence.
• You must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages under New York law.
• You need a realistic range of case value given your injuries, liability facts, and venue.

Without thoughtful analysis at the outset:

• Cases can sit for months without real progress.
• Clients feel blindsided when outcomes do not match early promises.
• Important opportunities to build evidence or negotiate may be lost.

How Our NYC Personal Injury Lawyers Evaluate Cases

• We examine the facts, applicable statutes, and case law before recommending a strategy.
• We consider liability, comparative fault, available insurance, and realistic damages.
• We explain strengths and weaknesses clearly so you understand your risks.
• We update our analysis as new facts or records arise and talk through those changes with you.

You deserve more than “trust me, I have a feeling.” You deserve a clear legal basis for the strategy in your NYC injury case.

Complaint 6: Lack Of Relevant Experience Or Competence

Not every lawyer is equipped to handle complex New York City accident cases. Some red flags include:

• The attorney does not primarily practice personal injury law.
• They seem unfamiliar with New York negligence standards, municipal liability, or insurance coverage issues.
• They struggle when negotiating with sophisticated insurance adjusters or defense counsel.
• They appear unprepared at conferences, mediations, or hearings.

Signs that your lawyer may lack the right experience for your NYC injury case include:

• Difficulty explaining how liability works in your type of accident, such as a construction site fall, pedestrian collision, or rideshare crash.
• Evasive answers when you ask about prior similar cases.
• Surprise or confusion when routine defense tactics appear.

Why Experience At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Matters For NYC Accident Victims

• We focus our practice exclusively on personal injury law for New York accident victims.
• We understand how local insurers, self-insured entities, and defense firms operate in the five boroughs.
• We are familiar with court procedures in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
• We know how to present medical evidence, lost earnings, and future care needs in a way that resonates with juries and adjusters.

Unfortunately, we are not hiring ourselves to learn from your case. You are hiring us to bring years of focused NYC experience to your side.

Complaint 7: Conflicts Of Interest And Hidden Relationships

A conflict of interest exists when your attorney has another duty or interest that could interfere with their loyalty to you. Examples include:

• Representing another client whose interests are directly adverse to yours.
• Having financial or business ties to a party or entity connected to your case.
• Quietly referring your claim to another firm without clearly explaining the relationship.

Your New York City personal injury lawyer should:

• Be loyal only to the best interests in your case.
• Make decisions based solely on your needs, not those of other clients or partners.
• Disclose potential conflicts in writing and obtain your informed consent where permitted.

If a conflict is severe enough, your lawyer may have to withdraw rather than continue to represent you.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Protects Clients From Conflicts

• We perform strict conflict checks before accepting a new case.
• We disclose any potential issues immediately and transparently.
• If co-counsel is brought in, we explain who they are, why they are involved, and what role they will play.
• We will not keep a case if any interest could undermine our duty of loyalty to you.

Your NYC accident claim deserves conflict-free, dedicated representation.

Complaint 8: Lack Of Empathy And Real Advocacy

You are not just a file. You are a person whose life has been disrupted by a crash, a fall, or a construction accident.

Common complaints about “cold” or detached lawyers include:

• Rushed or dismissive conversations.
• Legal jargon with no clear explanation.
• Little interest in how injuries affect day-to-day life.
• Making clients feel like a burden for asking questions.

Lack of empathy is not simply a matter of bedside manner. It can directly affect your case:

• A lawyer who does not grasp how your injuries have changed your life may undervalue your claim.
• Weak understanding of your pain and limitations makes it harder to tell your story to a jury or adjuster.
• You may be pressured to accept a settlement that does not truly reflect what you have lost.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We listen carefully to how your injuries affect your work, your family, and your future.
• We ask detailed questions about your daily limitations and goals.
• We use that understanding to present a complete, human picture of your damages.

Empathy helps us advocate more effectively for New York City accident victims.

What To Do If You Are Worried Your Lawyer Is Failing You

If you see these warning signs in your New York City accident case, here are practical steps you can take right now.

1. Document Everything

Keep written records of:

• Dates and times you called, emailed, or texted your lawyer.
• Any responses you received, and when you received them.
• Missed appointments, court dates, or unexplained delays.
• Copies of letters, emails, settlement papers, and advice you were given.

These records can be vital if you change lawyers or need to challenge your attorney’s conduct.

2. Try To Address The Problem Directly

Sometimes expectations can be reset with an honest conversation. You can:

• Request a dedicated phone call or in-person meeting to discuss communication and strategy.
• Ask for a clear outline of the plan for the future and key upcoming deadlines.
• Ask how often you should expect updates and who your main point of contact will be.

If your lawyer becomes defensive, dismissive, or still fails to follow through, that is a strong sign the relationship will not improve.

3. Request Your Case File

You are generally entitled to a copy of your file, including:

• Court pleadings and motions.
• Correspondence with insurance companies and defense counsel.
• Medical records, expert reports, and investigative materials.

A new attorney can review your file to see what has been done and what may be missing.

4. Consider Changing Lawyers

In most New York personal injury cases, you have the right to change lawyers, even in the middle of the case. Often:

• You sign a new retainer with your new NYC personal injury lawyer.
• Your old and new attorneys work out how to share the contingency fee.
• You do not pay two full fees.

A fresh start with a more competent, responsive lawyer in New York City can improve both your experience and your results.

5. Get A Second Opinion From A NYC Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are unsure whether your current attorney is not a good fit or has truly harmed your case, a second opinion can:

• Clarify whether serious mistakes have been made.
• Help you decide whether to stay or switch.
• Identify potential legal malpractice or ethical problems.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we regularly review New York City accident cases for clients who are worried about their current representation.

Could you let me know if you are concerned about your lawyer?
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or submit our online form for a confidential, no obligation second opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Common Complaints And Problem Attorneys In New York City

1. How much communication should I expect from my NYC personal injury lawyer?

You should expect:

• Updates when there is meaningful progress, such as filings, offers, or court dates.
• Reasonable response times to your phone calls and emails.
• Clear explanations of significant decisions, deadlines, and settlement proposals.

You do not need daily contact, but you should never be left wondering whether your lawyer disappeared.

2. Is slow communication every day?

No. Slow communication is usually poor service.  If you think your lawyer’s silence has cost you money or rights, you should speak with another attorney immediately.

3. Can I switch lawyers in the middle of my New York City accident case?

Yes. In most NYC personal injury matters, you can change attorneys at any time.

Before switching:

• Consult with a new lawyer about timing, upcoming deadlines, and how the transition will work.
• Request a copy of your case file.
• Review your original retainer agreement.

Your old and new lawyers usually work out how to divide the contingency fee from any recovery. You do not pay double.

4. How can I check a lawyer’s reputation in New York City?

You can:

• Search online reviews and client testimonials.
• Look for patterns in complaints, especially about communication, missed deadlines, or broken promises.
• Ask the lawyer about prior NYC personal injury cases similar to yours and their results.
• Check for any public disciplinary history.

One negative review does not tell the whole story, but a pattern of similar complaints should be taken seriously.

5. Does a lawyer’s lack of empathy really matter in a NYC injury case?

Yes. Empathy affects:

• How well your lawyer understands the actual impact of your injuries on your life in New York City.
• How clearly they communicate complex legal issues and options.
• How persuasively they can tell your story to an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury.

A lawyer who truly understands your pain and limitations is better equipped to fight for the full value of your damages.

6. Is it worth talking to another attorney if I am simply uneasy about my current one?

Yes. Your instincts are essential. If you:

• Feel ignored, disrespected, or confused.
• Do not understand what is happening in your case.
• Worry that essential steps are being missed.

A short consultation with another New York City accident lawyer can give you clarity, reassurance, or a plan to move forward.

Serving New York City Accident Victims In All Five Boroughs

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP proudly represents personal injury victims throughout:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

We handle a wide range of NYC accident cases, including:

• Car accidents and truck crashes
• Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
• Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents
• Construction and work site injuries
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Serious and catastrophic injury cases
• Wrongful death claims

We maintain convenient offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County so New Yorkers can meet with a personal injury lawyer close to home.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

• Local Harlem office and multiple NYC locations for convenience and community connection
• Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless Successful
• Bilingual services available for Spanish-speaking and other clients
• Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
• Top-rated, award-winning lawyers, including recognition from Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• We deal with the insurance companies so that you can focus on medical treatment and healing
• Exclusive focus on personal injury law, with a strong track record of results for New York accident victims

Our firm’s motto is simple and powerful: “Don’t Be A Victim Twice.”

Talk To A New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If your lawyer is not listening, we will.

If you are:

• Getting no updates about your NYC accident case
• Worried that your attorney is inexperienced or overwhelmed
• Feeling ignored, misled, or kept in the dark
• Concerned that mistakes have already hurt your claim

You do not have to stay in that situation.

Free, Confidential Consultation For NYC Accident Victims

• Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
• Or submit our online contact form for a free case review

The call is free. The consultation is free. You do not pay us unless we are successful.

Let Greenstein & Pittari, LLP show you what it feels like to be genuinely heard, protected, and put first in your New York City personal injury case.