Our home was damaged from a tornado. The contractors (obtained by ins.co. referal) negligence caused more damage to our home, then walked off the job after we complained about it. Ins. adjuster said " tuff luck", and the contractors are sueing us. We have hired a lawyer. Is it typical for the lawyer to play his hand close to the vest, even with us (his clients)? We have a court date in just two weeks and our lawyer has not gone over any of the facts of the case with us (other than our initial consultation). A friend told me this is the way lawyers work. I hope thats true, other wise we will probaly lose our home. Funny........ Mother Nature tried to take our home, but it is the people we have paid our hard earned $ to protect or help us who could be the actual cause of us losing our home.
2006-10-25 00:59:53 · 4 answers · asked by school1859 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Something smells here big time!
If your trial is only two weeks away and all the prepration your attorney has done is the initial interview with you - you and your case are in serious trouble!
Call your attorney right away and find out:
If he has he taken any depositions or filed any interrogatories?
If he has he filed a lawsuit against the contractors for being negligent, or against the Insurance company for making a negligent referral?
Remember you have the right to fire your attorney any time you want. And you have the right to sue him for malpractice in the event that he does not practice in accordance with the law and the circumstances that he has to deal with!
I would immediately talk to another attorney and discuss your case with him/her - and advise that attorney that you are presently in the midst of a law suit and have serious questions about the how your attorney is handling your case!
That "new" attorney may be reluctant to discuss the case with you since you already have an attorney but you are going to have to convince him/her that you really need help and you can give him your permission to contact your other attorney.
Do this immediately!
The second attorney will probably call the first attorney and the first attorney will either get his **** in gear or perhaps withdraw from the case which may be a good thing under the circumstances. If he withdraws - I think the Court would mormally grant you leave to find another attorney to represent your interest in the matter.
GOOD LUCK!
2006-10-25 01:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a little confusing here; If the contractors were a referral from the insurance company the an estimate of repairs and detailed description of the work should have been submitted by the contractor to the insurance company. If the contractor failed to deliver on the services promised then the insurance company is in a legal stance to withhold payment and the contractors beef is with them not you. The insurance company is still obligated to make repairs to your home. I'm sure your attorney is aware of the legal issues both with your insurance company and the contracts for repairs. Hang in there!
2006-10-25 01:17:46 · answer #2 · answered by pecker_head_bill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who was the contract for the work between? you an d the contractor? or the Insurance firm? I suggest you look into the contract ( if you have one for the works) I would help more but I am a UK based Surveyor, so not sure if I can help! sorry!
2006-10-25 01:10:11 · answer #3 · answered by tjb742001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a good lawyer.
2006-10-25 01:23:57 · answer #4 · answered by elw 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋