Yes. If your lawyer wants to settle, it means that your lawyer believes this is the highest settlement offer the other side is willing to make. If the offer is less than you expected, you may wish to hire another lawyer.

If you decide to fire your lawyer, you should write a letter that says you no longer want their legal services. Also, request a statement of your account. You may owe the lawyer money for services already performed. To find another lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284 or (803) 799-7100.

You may have a contingency fee arrangement with your lawyer, which means his fee is paid from the settlement. If fired before the contingency occurs, the lawyer loses the right to the contingent fee. However, you may owe the lawyer money for services already performed. To find another lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284 or (803) 799-7100.

Once your case is settled, you should receive payment within 30 days if your case involved an insurance company. If the settlement comes from other sources, such as an individual's promise to pay, the time period could vary greatly.

This information was prepared to give you some general information on the law. It is not intended as legal advice about any particular problem. If you have questions about the law you should consult a lawyer. If you do not know a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The number is 799-7100 in Richland or Lexington Counties, and 1-800-868-2284 from other parts of the state.