Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Colorado

Re: Burned

If the attorney withdrew from the case, the *MOST* that attorney would possibly be able to get out of the case, in my opinion, is costs expended (probably in the retainer).

BUT, in a personal injury case like this one, the fees will never exceed your subsequent attorney's fees. That attorney fee is than divided among the attorneys... having no effect upon you.

The point: there probably is no insurance and/or liability is in question... meaning, the case isn't worthwhile. This is likely why you are not able to find a new attorney... and why your friend would not have any recourse against the attorney who has left your friend high and dry.

If a lawsuit has not yet been filed, your friend can hire an attorney for a few hundred bucks for the sole purpose of preparing a lawsuit to protect the statute of limitations.

Re: Burned

If the other attorney has abandoned the case he is no longer entitled to any fee and should not prevent your friend from getting another attorney if it is a good case. California has a dog bite statute and as long as your friend was legally on the premises where they were bit, it should be a valid case.