Short Answer

Act promptly, but do not panic. Obtain copies of everything you signed, notify both law firms in writing, and clearly state which lawyer you want to represent you after the agreements have been reviewed. Signing documents with two firms does not necessarily mean you will owe two full fees, but the contracts, work already performed, case status, and any expenses may affect what happens next.

First, Find Out What You Actually Signed

Not every document from a law firm creates an attorney-client relationship. You may have signed a representation agreement, but the paperwork also could have been a medical authorization, insurance authorization, records request, intake form, or permission to communicate electronically.

Ask each firm for a complete copy of your file and every document bearing your signature. Review the documents for language about:

• The scope of the legal representation.
• The personal injury claim or accident covered by the agreement.
• How an attorney fee would be calculated.
• Litigation costs and other expenses.
• Ending the attorney-client relationship.
• Payment for work performed before termination.
• Permission to obtain medical, employment, or insurance records.

North Carolina contingency-fee agreements must be in a writing signed by the client and must state how the fee is calculated, how expenses are handled, and whether the client may owe certain expenses regardless of the outcome. Those details matter when two signed agreements appear to cover the same injury claim.

Steps to Resolve Two Representation Agreements

1. Save both sets of paperwork. Do not discard an agreement simply because you believe it was signed by mistake. Keep emails, text messages, electronic signature records, letters, and notes from telephone calls.
2. Contact both firms promptly. Explain that another firm may also have a signed agreement. Ask each firm to confirm whether it considers you a current client and what work it has performed.
3. Decide who you want handling the claim. You generally may choose your lawyer and end a representation, although a filed lawsuit may require formal withdrawal or substitution procedures.
4. Give clear written instructions. If you end one relationship, identify the claim and state that the firm is no longer authorized to act as your lawyer. Request written confirmation and a copy or transfer of the file.
5. Coordinate communications. Once representation is clarified, the insurer, medical providers, and other involved parties should receive consistent instructions about which firm represents you.

A phone conversation may help, but written notice creates a record of your instructions. Avoid asking both firms to negotiate, request records, or communicate with the insurer at the same time. Duplicate activity can create confusion about settlement authority, medical records, claim correspondence, and deadlines.

Could Both Lawyers Claim a Fee?

The answer depends on the agreements and the work performed. Ending one representation does not automatically establish that two full contingency fees are owed. A former lawyer who performed substantial work may assert a claim for the reasonable value of that work or for documented expenses, depending on the circumstances and contract language.

North Carolina rules also restrict how lawyers in different firms may divide a fee. A division generally requires an appropriate allocation of services or joint responsibility, the client's agreement to the arrangement, including the share each lawyer will receive, confirmed in writing, and a reasonable total fee. Two firms should not simply treat accidental signatures as permission to divide a fee without addressing these requirements.

Ask the departing firm for a written statement identifying:

• The legal work it says was completed.
• Costs or expenses it says were advanced.
• The agreement provision supporting any requested payment.
• Whether it has contacted an insurer, opposing party, medical provider, or court.
• Whether it claims an interest in a later recovery.

If an attorney-fee dispute affects settlement funds, the disputed portion may need to remain in a trust account while the issue is addressed. That can delay final distribution even when the underlying injury claim has settled. Resolving the representation issue early may reduce that risk.

Check Whether Important Case Activity Has Already Occurred

Tell both firms immediately if either one has submitted a demand, received an offer, filed a lawsuit, scheduled a deposition, negotiated medical balances, or received a settlement check. Also disclose whether you signed a release, endorsed a check, or authorized anyone to accept a settlement.

If a lawsuit is pending, changing counsel may require documents filed with the court. If a settlement is already under discussion, both firms may need to notify the insurer who has authority to communicate and whether any prior instructions have changed.

Do not assume the disagreement between lawyers pauses the underlying case. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52, many North Carolina personal injury actions are subject to a three-year filing period, although different claims can have different rules. Negotiations, medical treatment, or communications with an insurer generally do not automatically extend the lawsuit deadline.

Documents and Information to Gather

• Both signed representation or fee agreements.
• All intake forms, authorizations, and electronic signature confirmations.
• Letters or emails stating that a firm represents you.
• Insurance claim numbers and adjuster communications.
• Medical records requests and provider correspondence sent by either firm.
• Copies of demands, offers, releases, checks, or settlement paperwork.
• Court papers, if a lawsuit has been filed.
• An itemized list of expenses claimed by either firm.
• A short timeline showing when you spoke with and signed documents for each firm.

Continue keeping medical records, bills, and visit summaries, and follow the instructions of your medical providers. Clarifying legal representation should not cause you to lose track of your treatment documentation or other claim evidence.

How This Applies to the Reported Situation

Here, the person says they already have a lawyer and may have signed paperwork with another firm while being contacted about medical treatment. The first question is whether the second paperwork was actually a fee agreement or only an authorization or intake document.

The person should request the signed documents from the second firm and inform both firms of the possible overlap. They should also confirm whether either firm has contacted the insurance company, requested medical records, or taken other action. After choosing who should continue, the person should provide unambiguous written instructions so that only the selected lawyer handles treatment updates and claim communications.

If the second firm performed work or advanced costs, that issue should be identified now rather than waiting until settlement. The effect of either agreement cannot be determined from the signature alone; the wording, circumstances of signing, communications between the parties, and work completed all matter.

When Wallace Pierce Law May Be Able to Help

Wallace Pierce Law may be able to review the signed documents, determine whether both firms appear to claim an active attorney-client relationship, and explain the steps for clarifying representation. The firm may also help identify work or expenses claimed by prior counsel, coordinate a file transfer, notify the insurer of the correct contact, and check for approaching deadlines.

A review is particularly useful when a firm will not confirm termination, a lawsuit has already been filed, settlement paperwork is pending, or there is disagreement about fees or costs. The available options will depend on the contracts and the current status of the North Carolina personal injury claim.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney in Durham

If your question involves injuries, insurance, fault, medical documentation, settlement paperwork, or a possible deadline, speaking with a licensed North Carolina attorney can help clarify your options. Call 919-313-2737 to discuss what happened and what steps may make sense next.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina personal injury law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is not medical advice, tax advice, or insurance policy interpretation. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If there may be a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.