TL;DR: Both a lawyer and a case manager may handle your injury case. An attorney oversees your legal representation, while a case manager may serve as your main contact for routine updates. Other lawyers may become involved if your case goes to court. Before hiring a firm, ask who will represent you, who will communicate with you, and when those assignments could change.
Your injury case will be handled by an attorney, often with help from a case manager and other legal staff. The attorney remains responsible for legal representation, even if you speak more often with a case manager.
In California, law firms may divide work among several people. However, state law requires attorneys to reasonably supervise nonlawyer staff and keep clients informed about significant case developments.
Before hiring a firm, ask who will oversee your claim, which tasks a case manager will coordinate, and when you can speak directly with your lawyer.
Table of Contents
California State Bar #249405
Admitted 2007
California Personal Injury Attorney
- November 2026
Before I Hire an Injury Firm, How Do I Find Out Which Tasks My Lawyer Handles and When I Will Speak With a Case Manager?
Ask the firm who will handle your case and when you can expect your first conversation with a case manager. Some firms introduce case managers during intake, while others assign them after you hire the firm.
Once your case opens, a case manager may contact you to confirm your information, request documents, and explain the firm’s communication process. You may then speak with them throughout your claim, especially when the firm needs medical records, treatment updates, or insurance documents.
Your contact with the case manager may become more frequent when the firm needs information or has updates to share. However, no fixed schedule applies to every personal injury firm.
Your attorney will handle legal advice and case strategy. You may speak with the lawyer when significant legal issues arise, such as settlement offers, liability disputes, or decisions about filing a lawsuit. A case manager may help arrange those discussions.
Before signing an agreement, ask the firm to clarify:
- Assigned Attorney: Who will be the main lawyer responsible for my injury case?
- Primary Contact: Will I communicate mainly with that attorney or a case manager?
- Attorney Access: When can I expect to speak directly with the lawyer handling my claim?
- Case Updates: How often will I receive updates, and will they come by phone, text, or email?
- Document Requests: Who will contact me for medical records, bills, and other documents?
- Client Decisions: Who will explain settlement offers and ask for my approval?
- Urgent Questions: Who should I contact if a deadline is approaching or an important legal question arises?
- Backup Contact: Who will handle my questions if my regular contact is unavailable?
- Team Changes: Will another attorney take over if my case goes to court?
You can also ask whether the firm will confirm your assigned contacts in writing. Having their names and contact details makes it easier to direct questions to the right person.
Can I Find Out Who Will Handle My Case Before I Sign?
You can ask who would handle your case before signing a representation agreement. The firm may not have finalized every staff assignment during the first consultation. However, it can explain its usual process and when you should expect to receive those details.
If the agreement names only the law firm, ask which attorney will have primary responsibility for your matter. You can also request the attorney’s contact information and California State Bar number.
Confirm whether the lawyer who reviews your case will continue representing you after you sign. If another attorney will take over, ask when you can speak with that person.
Key Facts About Who Handles California Injury Cases
- A licensed attorney oversees the legal work in your case. California law restricts unauthorized legal practice, so only a licensed California lawyer can provide legal advice and handle case strategy.
- Nonlawyer case managers can coordinate records and share routine updates. Under Rule 5.3, attorneys may assign routine communication, document collection, and other administrative tasks to appropriately supervised nonlawyer case managers.
- Supervising lawyers must take reasonable steps to oversee their staff. California Rules 5.1 and 5.3 govern how attorneys supervise other lawyers and nonlawyer staff working on injury cases.
- California lawyers must communicate significant case developments to their clients. Under Rule 1.4, your injury lawyer must keep you informed about significant developments and respond promptly to reasonable information requests.
- Clients hold final authority over decisions to settle their claims. Under Rule 1.2, your injury attorney may recommend a settlement, but you decide whether to accept or reject the offer.
Who Will Handle My Case After I Hire an Injury Law Firm?
An attorney will oversee your legal case, but several team members may work with you after the firm accepts your claim. A case manager may become your regular contact. Other staff may help collect records, communicate with insurers, and prepare documents for attorney review.
For example, your attorney is responsible for identifying applicable legal deadlines and overseeing required filings. A case manager or legal assistant would only help track dates and prepare documents under attorney supervision.
You may also work with more than one attorney. For example, one lawyer may handle the claim before litigation, while another handles the court proceedings.
The exact arrangement depends on the firm’s staffing process and the needs of your case.
Who Will Contact Me When My Case First Opens?
A case manager or another legal team member may contact you after the firm accepts your injury claim.
During this first conversation, the staff member may confirm your contact information, review missing documents, and explain how the firm provides updates.
You may receive instructions on sending photographs, accident reports, medical bills, and other records. The team may also ask about your treatment and existing insurance claims.
At this stage, you can tell your case manager if you know of any evidence that could be destroyed, such as surveillance footage. Your attorney can determine whether the firm needs to take formal steps to preserve it.
Use this first conversation to confirm who will oversee your case. Ask for the attorney’s name and clarify how you can reach that person when legal questions arise.
Who Will Handle My Case While I Receive Medical Treatment?
A case manager may serve as your primary contact while you receive treatment for accident-related injuries.
They may request records, check whether the firm has received medical bills, and collect updates about your care. The attorney may review that information when evaluating your claim.
Your lawyer remains responsible for the legal representation during this period. You can request attorney guidance when questions arise about insurance, liability, or the effect of medical evidence on your claim.
A period without major legal developments does not necessarily mean nobody is handling your case. However, the firm should respond to reasonable questions about its progress.
If you have trouble obtaining medical records or bills, your case manager may help coordinate requests for documents. You should also inform the legal team of any new diagnoses, treatment changes, or additional medical expenses.
Your healthcare providers remain responsible for medical advice and treatment decisions. Your attorney handles legal questions about medical expenses, insurance payments, and how your treatment affects the injury claim.
Before hiring a firm, ask who will contact medical providers and who will address disputes involving treatment-related costs.
Who Will Handle My Case During Insurance Negotiations?
Your attorney oversees the legal strategy for settlement negotiations, although support staff may help with communications and records. For collision claims, car accident lawyers may evaluate disputes over fault and insurance coverage while case managers coordinate routine updates.
For example, a case manager may coordinate with the insurance adjuster or confirm that the insurer received the documents. The attorney evaluates the legal issues and advises you about settlement proposals.
Ask who will communicate the insurer’s responses and when your attorney will discuss the available options with you.
You should also know who will explain any decisions the insurer asks you to make. A case manager may relay information, but cannot independently advise you on legal matters.
If an insurer requests a recorded statement, medical authorization, or signed release, ask who will review it. Your attorney should address any legal questions before you respond.
Who Will Handle My Case if It Goes to Court?
A licensed attorney will represent you in court, but the lawyer handling the lawsuit may differ from your original attorney.
Some firms assign a litigation lawyer when settlement discussions do not resolve the claim. Others keep the original attorney involved, with additional lawyers joining the team.
If your case moves into litigation, ask whether you will receive new attorney and staff contact information. You can also confirm who will appear at hearings, oversee legal filings, and provide updates about the court schedule.
Your case manager may continue working with you, or the firm may assign different support staff. The firm should explain any changes that affect your communication plan.
Who Will Handle My Case If I Accept a Settlement?
Your attorney remains responsible for the legal work needed to complete your settlement. A case manager or other staff member may coordinate the final paperwork and payment updates.
After you accept an offer, the legal team may need to address settlement documents, medical liens, and outstanding bills. The firm must also account for any funds it receives on your behalf.
Your case manager may contact you about missing forms or the status of your payment. However, your attorney should address legal questions involving the release, disputed liens, or settlement terms.
California Rule 1.15 governs how attorneys handle client funds and requires them to account for those funds. It also requires the prompt distribution of undisputed funds to which a client is entitled.
Before your case closes, ask who will explain your settlement statement and how to contact the firm about remaining questions.
How Can I Tell Who Is Handling My Case at Each Stage?
You can identify who is handling your claim through different stages of a personal injury case by confirming the attorney and main contact assigned to each stage. The following table shows how a personal injury firm may organize its legal team.
| Case Stage | Who May Handle It | Who You May Hear From |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | An attorney or intake team reviews the potential claim. | An intake representative or attorney. |
| Case Opening | An assigned attorney oversees the new matter. | A case manager or support staff member. |
| Investigation and Medical Records | The attorney reviews legal issues with staff support. | Your case manager or legal assistant. |
| Insurance Negotiations | An attorney guides the settlement strategy. | Your attorney, case manager, or both. |
| Lawsuit and Court Proceedings | A litigation attorney handles legal representation. | A litigation lawyer or assigned staff member. |
| Settlement and Case Closing | An attorney oversees legal resolution and settlement funds. | Your attorney or staff. |
These assignments are examples, not universal rules. Some firms use fewer staff, while others divide the work among several teams.
Ask the firm to explain which arrangement would apply to your claim. You should also know whether someone else will become your main contact as your case progresses.
Will I Speak More Often With My Lawyer or Case Manager?
You may speak more often with a case manager because they typically handle routine communication.
For example, your case manager may call to request medical records, confirm appointments, or share the status of an insurance request. Your lawyer may contact you when the case requires legal advice or an important decision.
This arrangement does not mean the case manager has replaced your attorney. California lawyers remain subject to professional duties, including communication and supervision.
However, the law does not require an attorney to personally answer every routine call. Ask the firm how you can request a lawyer when needed.
How Often Should I Receive Updates, and What Should They Include?
Your legal team should provide updates that explain the progress of your case and satisfy California’s communication requirements.
Rule 1.4 requires attorneys to keep clients reasonably informed about significant developments. It also requires prompt responses to reasonable information requests.
The rule does not set a fixed weekly or monthly update schedule for every injury claim.
Before hiring the firm, ask how often you should expect to be contacted. Confirm whether the team provides regular updates or contacts you when significant events occur.
Depending on your case, an update may cover:
- Current Status: Whether the claim remains under investigation, negotiation, or litigation.
- Recent Developments: New insurer responses, settlement offers, or other significant changes.
- Document Requests: Medical records, bills, or other information the firm still needs.
- Next Steps: What the legal team plans to do and who will handle that work.
- Client Decisions: Any issue requiring your input or approval.
A useful update should help you understand where your case stands and what happens next. It does not need to predict the outcome.
You can also ask who will provide updates during periods without major developments. If you need legal guidance, request a discussion with the responsible attorney.
Who Will Speak With Me Before an Important Legal Decision?
A lawyer will. Your attorney should explain legal decisions that affect your injury claim. A case manager may relay information or arrange a discussion, but they cannot independently provide legal advice.
For example, your attorney will usually be the one to explain settlement offers, legal releases, and decisions about filing a lawsuit. A case manager would only notify you if there is an important legal decision to be made.
Though the lawyer will typically be the one who recommends how you should proceed, you generally have the right to make the final decision.
For example, Rule 1.4.1 also requires attorneys to promptly communicate written settlement offers. However, under California Rule 1.2, you have the final say on whether to accept or reject a settlement.
At Arash Law, each client is assigned a case manager who provides updates and helps guide the claim. Before hiring our firm, you can ask which attorney would oversee your claim and how the team would communicate with you. You can also ask when direct attorney involvement would occur.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation. Our California injury attorneys can discuss your potential claim and explain how your matter would be staffed.
What Happens if My Lawyer or Case Manager Changes?
The firm may assign a new lawyer or case manager, but the change should not leave you unsure who is handling your claim.
Staff may change because of scheduling, workload, or litigation needs. A lawyer may also leave the firm or transfer the case to another attorney within the practice.
If the change affects your representation, ask the firm to explain the new arrangement. You should know who is responsible for your case and how to contact them.
Will a New Attorney Have to Start My Case Over?
A new attorney generally can continue working from the records and legal work already completed. However, the new lawyer must become familiar with the claim and review any issues that require attention. That review may include existing evidence, insurer communications, filing deadlines, and settlement discussions.
Ask whether the transition will affect any upcoming decisions or legal proceedings. You can also request confirmation that the new lawyer has received the necessary records.
A change in attorney does not automatically mean you must file a new claim or begin the process again.
Can I Request a Different Lawyer or Case Manager?
You can request a different attorney or case manager, but the firm may not approve every staffing request.
Explain your preference and ask whether another team member is available. If you want a different lawyer, discuss whether the firm can make that change while continuing your representation.
You can also choose to hire a different law firm. However, doing so may involve fee questions, record transfers, and court procedures if a lawsuit is pending.
Before changing law firms, ask how the transfer would affect your case and any upcoming deadlines.
What Should I Do if Nobody Responds to My Case Questions?
Contact the firm’s main office and ask for the attorney responsible for your claim if your usual contact does not respond.
A missed call or delayed routine update does not automatically mean the firm is mishandling your case. However, unanswered legal questions and missed communications deserve follow-up.
Start by identifying what you need. Ask whether the firm can provide a status update or arrange a discussion with your attorney.
If your question involves a deadline, settlement offer, or important legal decision, explain the urgency. Make sure the team knows whether you need a response before a specific date.
You can also send a written follow-up that records your request. If the usual contact is unavailable, ask for another staff member or supervising attorney.
California Rule 1.4 requires attorneys to respond promptly to reasonable information requests. These duties continue even when a case manager handles most routine communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Handles Injury Cases in California
Will the Attorney I See in an Advertisement Handle My Case?
Not necessarily. The attorney featured in an advertisement or on a firm’s website may not be the lawyer assigned to your claim.
Law firms often have several attorneys handling different cases. Ask who will personally oversee your matter and whether that lawyer will remain involved throughout the case.
Can More Than One Lawyer Represent Me in the Same Injury Case?
Yes. More than one attorney may work on your injury case, depending on the firm’s structure and the claim’s needs.
For example, one lawyer may evaluate insurance issues while another handles litigation. Ask who has primary responsibility and whom to contact for legal questions.
Will a Case Manager Contact the Insurance Company Without Asking Me First?
A case manager may handle routine insurer communications under attorney supervision without requesting your permission for every message.
However, staff cannot independently give legal advice or decide whether to accept a settlement for you. Ask your attorney how the firm handles insurer communications and approvals.
What if My Case Manager Gives Me Legal Advice Instead of My Attorney?
Ask the attorney responsible for your case to review the advice before you rely on it.
A nonlawyer case manager may relay information, but cannot independently advise you about your legal rights. This includes advice about whether to accept a settlement or sign a legal release.
If a staff member recommends a legal decision, ask whether an attorney has reviewed the issue. You can also request a direct explanation from the lawyer before responding.
California Business and Professions Code § 6125 restricts the unauthorized practice of law. Attorneys must also reasonably supervise nonlawyer staff under Rule 5.3.
Ask Arash Law Who Will Handle Your Injury Case
Arash Law uses attorneys, case managers, and other legal staff to handle personal injury claims across California.
Before hiring our firm, you can ask who would oversee your claim, who would provide updates, and how the legal team would communicate with you. We can also discuss how those assignments may change if your case requires a lawsuit.
If you were injured in a collision, our car accident lawyers can evaluate your potential claim. You can also ask how your matter would be staffed during the consultation.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Sources
- California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.15. Safekeeping client funds, accounting, and distribution of undisputed funds. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct/chapter-1-lawyer-client-relationship
- California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.2. Client authority over settlement decisions. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct/chapter-1-lawyer-client-relationship
- California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.4 and 1.4.1. Client communication and settlement offers. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct/chapter-1-lawyer-client-relationship
- California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 5.1. Managerial and supervisory responsibilities regarding other lawyers. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct/chapter-5-law-firms-and-associations
- California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 5.3. Supervision of nonlawyer assistants. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct/chapter-5-law-firms-and-associations
- California Business and Professions Code § 6125. Unauthorized practice of law. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=6125.&lawCode=BPC
- State Bar of California. Questions to ask before selecting an attorney. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/public/legal-resources/selecting-attorney
- State Bar of California. Attorney license verification. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/public/find-legal-professionals
Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading or relying on this content. If you were injured, consult a licensed California personal injury attorney about your specific situation. Arash Law | (888) 488-1391.
