March 23, 2025
Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that seem to demand answers before you’ve had a moment to think. In life, as in law, the pressure to act quickly can leave us questioning whether we’ve chosen the right path. How do you know if the hand you’ve reached for is steady? How do you trust that the words on the page are meant to protect you, not trap you?
These moments of doubt are natural, even necessary. They remind us that choice is a powerful thing—perhaps the only thing we truly own. And when it comes to something as personal as your legal representation, the freedom to choose, to step back, or to start fresh shouldn’t feel like a luxury. It should feel like a right.
A contingency fee agreement means that your attorney’s fee depends on the outcome of your case. If you win your settlement, the attorney gets paid. If you don’t win, they don’t get paid. It’s that straightforward. This setup allows you, the client, to pursue your case without having to worry about upfront costs or hourly fees. The attorney is only compensated if you get the result you’re looking for.
Now, why is this so common, especially in personal injury cases? Well, the reason is simple—most people don’t have the money to pay for an attorney’s time upfront, especially when they’re dealing with medical bills or missing work due to their injuries. Contingency fees level the playing field. They give everyone the chance to fight for what they deserve without financial barriers getting in the way. It’s a way for the attorney to show they’re invested in your case, because if you don’t win, they don’t get paid. So, in a way, they’re as committed to your success as you are.
In Florida, if you’ve signed a contingency fee agreement with an attorney, you have what’s called a "three-day right of rescission". This simply means that you have three full days from the date you sign the contract to change your mind and cancel it—without owing the attorney a dime in fees. If you decide to back out, you won’t have to pay for their time or legal work. It’s a safety net that lets you make sure you’re comfortable with your decision before moving forward.
However, and this is important, you may still owe the attorney for any costs they’ve already spent on your case. For example, if they’ve conducted an investigation or had any other out-of-pocket expenses, those costs will still be your responsibility. But, in terms of attorney fees? Nothing. That’s the benefit of the 3-day window—it’s a chance to make sure you’re really comfortable with the attorney you’ve chosen, and if something doesn’t feel right, you have a way out without any penalty.
This right matters because, as much as we’d like to think we’re making the right choice every time, sometimes things don’t feel like they’re working out. Whether it’s a gut feeling, a change of heart, or simply a matter of needing more time to make a decision—you have the right to cancel within that three-day period.
So, you’ve decided that the attorney you signed up with isn’t the right fit for you. No worries, you’ve got options. If you're within that three-day window, here’s what you need to do to cancel your contract:
Write it Down: First things first, you need to put it in writing. Whether you prefer email or a physical letter, make sure you clearly state that you’re canceling the contract. You don’t want there to be any confusion later on. If you go with email, make sure it’s something official, like a formal resignation letter or a simple, clear email. The main point is—document it.
Be Direct: In the email or letter, mention that you’re canceling the agreement under Florida’s three-day right of rescission. You don’t have to give a detailed explanation of why, just keep it straightforward and to the point. You’re within your rights to cancel, and the attorney should respect that.
Send It Right Away: Time is of the essence. You want to make sure your cancellation is done within those 3 days, so don’t delay in sending the letter or email. The sooner, the better. Remember, the clock starts ticking the day you sign the agreement, so act fast.
Keep a Copy: Always keep a copy of what you sent. You never know when you might need proof that you canceled in time. If it’s a letter, get a delivery confirmation. If it’s an email, save the sent copy and any read receipts.
Avoid Liens: The last thing you want is for the attorney to place a lien on your case for the time they’ve already spent working on it. That’s why it’s so important to cancel before they get a chance to do that. If you wait too long, they might have already started working on your case, and they can try to claim payment for that work. By canceling early, you can avoid that situation.
Now, what happens if you miss that three-day window? Well, don’t panic. At our firm, we understand that sometimes you need a little more time to be sure about your decision. That’s why we offer a 30-day no-fee guarantee.
Unlike the standard three-day rescission period, we give you 30 days to decide if you’re happy with the way we’re handling your case. That’s right—30 full days to evaluate whether you feel comfortable with our communication, our approach, and our service. We know that choosing the right attorney is a big deal, and we want you to be 100% confident in your choice before you move forward.
The benefit of this extended window is you have more time to really get a sense of how we work. In the first 30 days, if you feel like we’re not the right fit for you—maybe we’re not returning your calls or not keeping you in the loop as you expected—just let us know. No hard feelings. You won’t owe us anything for our time or legal fees. You’ll just be responsible for any costs we’ve already incurred on your case—things like investigation fees, for example.
The 30-day window gives you the breathing room to make an informed decision without feeling rushed or pressured. It’s our way of showing confidence in our service and making sure you feel comfortable with us. You don’t have to make any snap judgments—we’ve got you covered for a full month. That’s how sure we are about our ability to get the job done right and take care of you as a client.
When it comes to choosing an attorney, one of the most important things you can do is make sure they’re operating ethically. You deserve someone who truly has your best interests at heart—not someone who’s just out to sign another client. Unfortunately, not every attorney out there plays by the rules.
Let me give you an example. Imagine you’re in a hospital room, vulnerable and in pain, and someone walks in trying to get you to sign a contract right then and there. If that sounds like a scene out of a movie, you’re not far off—it’s straight out of The Rainmaker. That kind of behavior is not just unprofessional; it’s unethical. A good attorney doesn’t pressure you into signing anything when you’re not in the right state of mind to make that decision. If someone approaches you like that, it’s a major red flag.
If an attorney comes to you unsolicited—whether in a hospital, at your home, or anywhere else—you should stop and question their intentions. Ethical attorneys don’t chase after clients. Instead, they let you come to them when you’re ready. Another sign to watch for is an attorney who seems more interested in signing you up quickly than explaining your options or answering your questions. If they’re not taking the time to listen to you and understand your situation, that’s a big problem.
Get More Legal Insights To Avoid Common Pitfalls:
Can I Switch My Car Insurance Company During the Personal Injury Case?
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In the end, the choices we make often come down to a single, quiet question: "Am I doing what’s best for me?" When it comes to selecting the right attorney, the answer should never feel rushed or uncertain. It’s about trust, integrity, and the confidence that the person standing beside you truly has your back.
Reach out today for a free consultation. No pressure, no obligation—just an honest conversation about how we can help. Because in the pursuit of justice, every step should feel like the right one.