I get several calls a month from would-be clients who have gone to see another attorney prior to contacting our office. The stories I am told tend to be similar, would-be client (WBC) goes to attorney, attorney sends WBC to chiropractor. WBC gets care from chiropractor but attorney never tells WBC that the insurance company of the person who injured WBC will not pay the majority if any of the chiropractor's bills. The WBC is then facing a horrible settlement, and in the meantime, attorney and chiropractor maintain liens against WBC's case. What a racquet eh!
Before signing on with an attorney to represent you, find out if it is a law firm that treats their clients like some mill operators treat their "products". There is no need to sit upon some assembly line when trying to get help for a personal injury. Personal injury law is like any other area of practice, your attorney must treat you and your case with respect.
Make sure the person you are speaking with about representing you actually practices in personal injury law. Too often attorneys attract clients who are injured and they see them as dollar signs and not people. Instead of telling the client they do not practice in personal injury law, they try to get a quick settlement to put some extra money in their pocket while costing you the compensation you are entitled to. Don't let this happen to you.
Ask these questions:
1. Have you ever tried a personal injury case?
2. Have you ever taken a deposition in a personal injury case?
3. What is the anatomy of a lawsuit in case my case does not settle before having to file in the courts? In other words, if you are not offered a settlement that provides you with total compensation for your medical bills, wage loss, future loss, and your pain and suffering/emotional distress, and you need to file suit, what can you expect to happen and will your attorney be prepared?
If you do not feel respected and like one of your attorneys most important clients from the minute you get on the phone or the moment you walk through the door, go to another attorney.
If you cannot get your attorney on the phone, go to another attorney.
I feel bad for those folks who are getting a raw deal from their attorney and "the" chiropractor however, we cannot unring the bell that has already been rung by poor representation. Therefore, we cannot accept these cases. We still want to help....
How do you know when you or your case are not being respected: (the top ten list)
1. Attorney does not initially meet with you during the intake process.
2. Attorney does not help you navigate your health care treatment in a way that is respectable (i.e. sends you to a chiropractor). Another word on this, your attorney should be familiar with the medicine involved in your case but should not be practicing medicine. Only your doctor should be sending you to another treatment provider.
3. When you call you cannot get your attorney on the phone.
4. After leaving a message for your personal injury attorney the call is not returned within the business day.
5. You do not hear from your attorney for weeks after signing the contract for that attorney to represent you.
6. When you do talk to your attorney s/he does not "remember" the facts of your case.
7. When you talk to your attorney they seem like they are in a hurry and do not have time for you or your concerns.
8. You are treating but not getting any better and your attorney has not been available for you to discuss this concern.
9. It has been several months since you signed that contract to be represented by your attorney and you still do not know what your attorney looks like.
10. When you go meet with your attorney you sit in the waiting room for more than ten minutes beyond your scheduled appointment and your attorney does not come out to greet you or offer an explanation as to why you are still waiting.
If this in any way sounds familiar, it may be time to find another personal injury lawyer to help you through your claim.
