More details to this question:
I've been dealing with a work injury case with my current lawyer for about 4 years now. In that time, his phone calls were sparse, I hardly ever got any real update besides being told he was trying to get the insurance company to approve a doctor for me to see. At least half a year goes by when he calls me to his office to inform me that he and the doctors I already saw through the insurance company had been paid, and asked me about settling. I asked why was everyone was paid but me. He looked surprised to hear I wasn't receiving money that we had never even discussed prior to this meeting. He said he would incur penalties on them and would let me know later. I was worn out and seriously perplexed because the faster he talked, the more confused I became. He really could not have shoved me out the door fast enough. So on the drive home, it occurred to me at this extremely short and hurried meeting that I once again did not get any real update as to why we suddenly went to talking about me going to another doctor, which was our last conversation, to everyone is all of a sudden paid and I should be too, although I never agreed to or signed anything. I've called several times after that meeting and also wrote a letter that have all gone unanswered thus far. Should I be looking for a new lawyer?
7 ANSWERS
1 Award
I think you need to ask another lawyer to help you determine what is going on. If you present lawyer is not willing to communicate with you, I think you had better take the initiative.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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File a complaint with your state's bar association.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 4:00 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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If you missed a lot of work you would be entitled to some compensation for lost time. The lawyer should know that. If it is just a question of medical bills (as it seems) that is another matter. Go get you a good worker comp lawyer and tell him the whole story.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 4:00 PM
Definitely. There should be no increase in the amount the lawyers, your past and future ones, will be paid and you clearly, for good reason, do not trust your current attorney.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 3:59 PM
Ronald A. Steinberg
I think that you need a second opinion. Usually, compensation cases do not take such a long time as you are experiencing; of course, there are exceptions. However, the issues in a comp case are relatively simple: 1) were you ill or injured; 2) did the illness or injury arise out of the employment; 3) does the illness or injury prevent you from engaging in any gainful employment. I am of the opinion, based upon the details of your question, that the issue in your case has to do with the 3rd issue; namely, whether or not you are incapable of engaging in any gainful employment. If your current treating doctors are not able to address that issue, then you need to find someone who has the credentials and the stature to do so. On the other hand, the problem that you seem to have is the poor communication between you and your lawyer. It is a lawyer's job to explain thoroughly to the client about the case, and then to actually do the job. If he is not or cannot explain what is going on, what are the problems, and what are the strengths, then you need someone who can. Good luck.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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You should be looking for a new lawyer if you don't have confidence in your current one. Some of the items you report are of no consequence and are simply the nature of what goes on in this kind of proceeding. Other issues require more investigation. You might find it worthwhile to pay a consultation fee and sit down with another lawyer to discuss the matter in detail.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Marksville, LA
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The Bryan Law Firm L.L.C.
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I would suggest that you call to make an appointment to meet with your client in person ASAP to discuss your concerns. If at that time you still are not satisfied with his responses, I would suggest you speaking with some other attorneys about your concerns. You have the right to be represented by the lawyer of your own choosing and he should be one you are comfortable with and trust.
Answered on Dec 16th, 2013 at 3:56 PM