How Often Should My Injury Lawyer Update Me?
Short answer: Utah's rules do not set a number. They require a lawyer to keep you reasonably informed about the status of your case and to promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. In practice, an injury client should hear something at least once a month, and right away when something significant happens, such as an offer, a denial, or a decision that is yours to make. At West Injury Law, our standard is at least once a month, even when there is no news.
Many people who ask this question are asking because the updates stopped. Others want to know what to expect before they hire anyone. Either way, the answer has two parts: what the rules require, and what good practice looks like on top of that.
What Utah's rule actually says
Lawyers in Utah are bound by the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct. The communication rule is Rule 1.4, now published by the Utah courts as Rule 3-1.4 of the Supreme Court Rules of Professional Practice. It says a lawyer shall:
- promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance that requires the client's informed consent;
- reasonably consult with the client about the means by which the client's objectives are to be accomplished;
- keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter;
- promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; and
- explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions about the representation.
The official comments fill in what those words mean in practice:
- Settlement offers. A lawyer who receives a settlement offer in a civil case must promptly tell the client its substance, unless the client has already said the offer would be acceptable or unacceptable, or authorized the lawyer to accept or reject it (comment 2).
- Significant developments. Keeping a client reasonably informed includes significant developments affecting the timing or the substance of the representation (comment 3).
- Unanswered requests. When a prompt answer is not feasible, the lawyer, or a member of the lawyer's staff, should acknowledge the request and tell the client when to expect a response. A lawyer should promptly respond to or acknowledge client communications (comment 4).
- No withholding for convenience. A lawyer may not withhold information to serve the lawyer's own interest or convenience (comment 7).
The decision whether to settle belongs to the client under Rule 1.2(a), which is why prompt word of an offer is not optional.
Why the rule does not give a number
The rule covers every kind of legal work, from a one-week contract review to a three-year lawsuit, so it uses a reasonableness standard instead of a schedule. A monthly call would be too little in a fast real estate closing and could be more than needed in some slow commercial matters.
An injury case has a particular shape, though. It has long waiting periods, usually during medical treatment, broken up by short bursts where decisions matter a lot. That shape is why a fixed minimum works well for injury clients: it keeps the quiet months from turning into silence.
Events that should trigger an update right away
Whatever the regular schedule, some things should not wait for it:
- Any settlement offer, including a low one.
- A denial of liability or of coverage.
- A request from an insurer for a statement, a medical exam, or broad records.
- A lien or reimbursement claim against your recovery.
- An approaching filing deadline, or a decision to file suit.
- A court date, a deposition, or a mediation that involves you.
- A change in who is handling your file.
A reasonable rhythm, stage by stage
| Stage | What you should be hearing |
|---|---|
| First weeks after hiring | Confirmation that insurers have been notified, what was requested, and what is needed from you |
| Treatment | At least a monthly status: records collected, what is outstanding, next step |
| Demand | When it is sent, and when the insurer's response is due |
| Negotiation | Every offer, with an explanation, in time for you to decide |
| Lawsuit | Deadlines, discovery that needs you, and preparation before your deposition or mediation |
| Closing | Lien resolution and a written statement of how your share was calculated |
For what happens inside each stage, see the steps in a Utah personal injury case and what to expect after you hire West Injury Law.
Our standard: at least monthly
Every West Injury Law client is updated at least once a month, for as long as the case is open. Calls are returned within 24 hours, usually the same day. Clients can text us on a general text line or on individual text lines. Every client can reach someone who speaks Spanish. We record our calls so nothing gets lost and we can act on what you tell us quickly.
An attorney reviews every case at intake and approves every demand and settlement, and once you sign, the firm handles all communication with the insurance companies. The complete list, and what each update covers, is on how we keep you informed.
If the updates are not coming
A missed update is usually a fixable problem. The practical steps:
- Ask in writing. An email or text creates a record and a clear request. Ask for the current stage, what the file is waiting on, and the next step.
- Ask for a schedule. It is reasonable to ask for a regular update, such as monthly, and to ask who will send it.
- Ask for specific documents. A copy of the demand, an offer letter, or a lien notice is a reasonable request for information.
If those do not work, you have more options, including changing lawyers. We walk through them, without assuming the worst about anyone, in my injury lawyer won't call me back.
Common questions
Is there a Utah law that says how often my lawyer must call me?
No. Rule 1.4 requires reasonable communication and prompt responses to reasonable requests, but it does not set a number of days.
Does my lawyer have to tell me about every offer?
Generally yes. The comments to Rule 1.4 say a settlement offer must be promptly communicated, unless you have already told the lawyer how you want that offer handled.
Is it normal to go a month without news?
Going a month without progress is normal during treatment. Going a month without hearing anything is not our standard. See why your injury case goes quiet.
Is it okay to ask my lawyer for an update?
Yes. It is your case. The rule expressly covers reasonable requests for information.
What does it cost to hire West Injury Law?
One-third of the recovery, with case costs advanced by the firm and repaid from the recovery. You pay nothing up front, and no attorney fees unless we win.
If you are wondering where your own case stands, we are glad to talk it through. Call (801) 921-5134 or reach our legal team through the contact page.
Free consultation. No attorney fees unless we win. Hablamos Español.