When you've been injured and are seeking legal representation, you may find that the attorney you initially contacted refers your case to another lawyer. There are various reasons why your case might be referred to another lawyer. It's important to understand that such referrals are often made with your best interests in mind.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we often receive cases referred by other lawyers who recognize our experience in personal injury law across Alabama and Tennessee. We’re always available to discuss cases with attorneys who cannot handle good but complicated cases.
Why Your Case Might Be Referred to Another Lawyer
Let’s explore the common reasons why your case might be referred to another lawyer and what this means for you as a client.
The Chosen Lawyer Has More Experience in the Relevant Practice Area
One of the most common reasons for referring a case to another lawyer is their depth of experience in personal injury cases. The legal field is vast and complex, with many niche areas that require specific knowledge and experience.
Personal injury law itself encompasses a wide range of case types, from car accidents to cases involving defective drug injuries or dangerous consumer products. Our team at Cory Watson Attorneys has extensive experience in many areas of personal injury law, making us a go-to firm for complex cases that require a deep understanding of specific areas of personal injury law.
For example, if your case involves a rare medical condition or a complex product liability issue, your initial attorney might refer you to one of our lawyers with a strong track record of handling similar cases. This focus ensures you have the best possible representation for your unique situation.
Geographical Considerations
With offices in Birmingham, Memphis, and Nashville, Cory Watson Attorneys is well-positioned to handle cases across Alabama and Tennessee. If your initial attorney is located outside these areas, but your case needs to be filed in a jurisdiction where we regularly practice, they might refer you to us.
Local attorneys have valuable relationships with the court systems in their practice areas and a deep understanding of local laws and procedures. This can be particularly important in cases where state or local regulations play a significant role.
The Need for More Resources and Case Capacity

Law firms carefully manage their caseloads to ensure they can provide each client with the attention and resources their case deserves. Your initial attorney may refer your case to another attorney because they have the capacity and resources to give your case the attention it needs.
Larger firms are structured to handle a large volume of cases efficiently without compromising the quality of service. This ensures that your legal matter is handled promptly and effectively.
Case Complexity and Cost
Some cases are particularly complex or large in scope, requiring extensive resources that a smaller firm or solo practitioner may not have. This could include cases that:
- Involve multiple parties or defendants
- Require extensive expert testimony
- Need significant upfront financial investment for investigation and preparation
In these instances, your case might be referred to a larger law firm that has the necessary resources to handle complex cases effectively. This allows the firm to take on challenging cases that smaller firms might struggle to manage.
Changing Case Dynamics
As a case progresses, its nature or focus may shift in ways that were not initially apparent. What might have started as a straightforward personal injury claim could evolve into a complex product liability case or uncover medical malpractice issues.
In such situations, your original attorney might determine that the case has moved beyond their practice area. Referring the case to another law firm ensures that you have access to that firm’s wide range of knowledge as your case develops.
Time-Sensitive Matters
In some cases, immediate action may be required to protect a client's rights or interests. If your initial attorney is not able to act quickly enough due to other commitments or resource constraints, they may refer the case to a lawyer with more availability.
You need a law firm with the staff and resources to immediately address time-sensitive issues. This is particularly important in cases with strict filing deadlines or where evidence needs to be preserved quickly.
Financial Considerations
Personal injury cases are often taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning the attorney only gets paid if they win the case. Sometimes, a case may require a significant financial investment that a smaller firm or solo practitioner cannot afford.
In such situations, your case may be referred to another lawyer with the financial resources to properly fund and pursue your case without constraints limiting its potential for success.
Collaborative Opportunities
Sometimes, an attorney might refer a case to another lawyer not because they can't handle it but because collaborating with another firm could significantly benefit you as the client. This might involve bringing the other lawyer in as co-counsel with complementary knowledge.
Such collaborations can provide you with the combined strengths of multiple legal professionals, potentially leading to better outcomes.
A Proven Track Record of Success

Your initial attorney may refer your case to another lawyer with a strong reputation for successfully handling complex personal injury cases, especially if your case is particularly challenging or high-stakes.
A law firm with a history of favorable verdicts and settlements can be a significant asset in negotiating with insurance companies or opposing counsel, potentially leading to better outcomes for their clients.
Technological Resources
Modern legal practice often requires significant technological resources, especially for complex cases involving large amounts of data or requiring sophisticated analysis. Law firms that invest in cutting-edge legal technology have an enhanced ability to build strong cases.
If your case requires technological resources that your initial attorney doesn't have access to, they may refer you to another lawyer to ensure your case benefits from these advanced tools.
Class Action and Multidistrict Litigation Experience
Experience handling complex legal procedures is crucial for cases that may evolve into class actions or become part of multi-district litigation.
If your initial attorney recognizes that your case might be part of a larger legal action, they may refer you to another lawyer to ensure your attorney has experience in these specific forms of litigation.
Appellate Experience
Sometimes, a case may need to be appealed after an initial verdict. Not all attorneys have experience with appellate practice, which requires a different set of skills than trial work.
If your initial attorney foresees the possibility of an appeal in your case, they might refer you to a law firm with a strong appellate practice to ensure you have robust representation at all stages of your legal journey.
If Media orPublic Relations are Involved
High-profile cases sometimes attract media attention, which can impact the case's outcome. Managing media relations effectively requires experience and resources that not all firms possess.
If your case has the potential to attract significant public attention, your attorney might refer you to another law firm with experience handling high-profile cases and managing associated media relations.
Familiarity of Specialized Court Systems
Some legal matters are handled in specialized court systems that require specific legal knowledge. While your initial attorney might not have this specific experience, another law firm may have attorneys who regularly practice in these courts.
When it is in the Client's Best Interest
Ultimately, the decision to refer a case to another lawyer or law firm is made with the client's best interests in mind. Ethical attorneys will always prioritize their clients' needs, even if it means referring the case to another firm better equipped to handle it.
Our Unique Approach at Cory Watson Attorneys
When your case is referred to Cory Watson Attorneys, you're not just getting legal representation—you're gaining a team of dedicated professionals committed to your success. Here's what sets us apart:
Client-Centered Focus

We understand that every case is unique and tailor our approach to meet your needs. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a strategy that aligns with your best interests.
Team-Based Approach
At Cory Watson, we leverage the collective knowledge of our entire team. While you'll have a primary attorney managing your case, you'll benefit from the knowledge and experience of our entire staff. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your case receives thorough attention.
Cutting-Edge Technology
We invest in the latest legal technology to enhance our ability to build strong cases. From advanced case management systems to sophisticated data analysis tools, we use technology to uncover crucial evidence and construct compelling arguments.
Extensive Network of Experts
Over the years, we've built relationships with a wide range of expert witnesses and specialists. Whether your case requires medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, or economic analysts, we have access to top-tier experts who can provide crucial testimony.
Trial-Ready Preparation
While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it's going to trial. This thorough preparation often leads to better settlement offers and ensures we're ready if your case does go before a jury.
Commitment to Client Communication
We believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way. You'll receive regular updates on your case's progress, and our team is always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Record of Success
Our firm has recovered over $4 Billion for our clients. While past results don't guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to handle complex cases and secure favorable results for our clients.
Community Involvement
We're not just lawyers—we're members of the communities we serve. Our firm is actively involved in various community initiatives and pro bono work, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.
Continual Learning and Improvement
The legal landscape is always evolving, and so are we. Our attorneys regularly participate in continuing education programs and legal conferences to stay at the forefront of personal injury law.
National Recognition
Numerous legal organizations have recognized our work. We've been named to the list of Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and other prestigious rankings. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence in legal practice.
When your case is referred to Cory Watson Attorneys, you can trust that you're working with a firm that combines extensive experience, significant resources, and a genuine commitment to client success.
Contact Cory Watson Attorneys to Discuss Your Case

At Cory Watson Attorneys, we're honored by the trust placed in us, not just by our clients but also by fellow attorneys who refer cases to us. If your case has been referred to our firm, you can be confident that this decision was made to ensure you receive the best possible legal representation for your specific situation.
Our team brings extensive experience, significant resources, and a strong track record of success to every case we handle. Whether your case was initiated with us or referred to us by another attorney, our commitment remains the same: to provide high-quality legal representation and fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about why your case was referred to Cory Watson Attorneys or what to expect moving forward. We believe in open communication with our clients and are here to guide you through every step of your legal journey.
Remember, a referral to our firm is a vote of confidence in our abilities and a testament to the legal community's commitment to ensuring clients receive the most appropriate and effective representation possible. Contact us at 205-328-2200 or through our online form for a free consultation. We look forward to discussing your case.