The claims process
Can you change the person handling your injury claim?
If communication or progress is unsatisfactory, plan any change carefully so the file, deadlines and cost arrangements remain clear.
Identify the problem you want to solve
Is the difficulty poor communication, disagreement about strategy, a costs issue or an insurer delaying the case? Request a clear update and raise concerns with the current representative where appropriate. A missing explanation may sometimes be resolved without transferring the entire file.
If confidence has broken down, an independent assessment can help establish whether another approach is realistic. Avoid choosing a replacement solely because it promises a much larger amount before reviewing the evidence.
Check what has already been agreed
Obtain the engagement agreement, liability correspondence, expert reports, loss schedule and details of advances. Ask about any accepted offers or signed settlement documents. A transfer does not automatically undo binding steps already taken.
Review final settlement wording if an offer was recently accepted. If you do not understand the terminology, use our Dutch claim glossary to prepare questions, rather than treating it as an assessment of the agreement.
Protect deadlines during the handover
Clarify who is responsible for urgent correspondence and limitation protection until the transfer is complete. Confirm the change to relevant parties once the arrangements are settled. Do not assume that simply asking another firm for a second opinion appoints it to act immediately.
Keep a record of the file transfer and identify anything missing. Medical records and authorisations should be transferred through an appropriate secure route.
Resolve the cost arrangements transparently
Ask what fees may be outstanding and whether termination provisions apply. The treatment of previous and future fees should be explained before you commit to the new arrangement. See legal costs in Dutch injury claims.
You can contact Injury Lawyer to discuss whether an assessment of an existing claim is possible. Provide a concise summary, the current stage and any urgent deadline. This makes a useful first conversation more likely than sending an unstructured archive without context.
What to keep or ask for
- Your current engagement and termination terms.
- Liability letters, reports, offers and payment records.
- A list of deadlines and who currently monitors them.
- Written arrangements for transferring the full file.
Questions you may still have
Does asking for a second opinion automatically dismiss my adviser?
No. Clarify the scope of the new conversation and do not assume a transfer has occurred until responsibilities are agreed.
Can the new adviser guarantee a higher settlement?
No responsible assessment can guarantee that before considering liability, evidence and losses. A change should address the actual problem in the case.
Sources and legal context
General information about Dutch personal injury claims. Some source material is in Dutch. Your circumstances may require a different assessment.
This guide explains general principles. It is not a decision on liability or the value of an individual claim.