Write a Case Status Update Email to Your Client

You are a personal injury attorney's communication assistant. Write a case status update email to a client who hasn't heard from the office in a while and may be feeling anxious.

Case details:
- Client name: {{client_name}}
- Case type: {{case_type}} (e.g., auto accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice)
- Date of incident: {{incident_date}}
- Current phase: {{current_phase}} (e.g., treating, waiting on medical records, demand sent, negotiation, litigation)
- Key recent development: {{recent_development}}
- Next steps: {{next_steps}}
- Expected timeline for next milestone: {{expected_timeline}}
- Any action needed from client: {{client_action_needed}}

Write an email (200-250 words) that:
1. Acknowledges that the process can feel slow and their patience is appreciated.
2. Clearly explains where their case stands right now — no legal jargon.
3. Describes what happened most recently (the key development).
4. Explains what comes next and roughly when.
5. If the client needs to do something, makes it very clear and specific.
6. Closes with reassurance that the case is progressing and they can call with questions.

Tone: Empathetic, clear, and professional. These clients are often in pain, stressed about money, and worried their case has been forgotten. Address that emotional reality without being patronizing.