Re: a automobile accident. My attorney does not let me know what is going on with my case and when I email questions he emails back and is so rude to me. I have a right to know what's going on with MY case, don't I? He knew a couple of months ago that I wanted him to send me a copy of the demand letter so that I could go over it before sending it out (which he did not do) and he is being a total rude jerk in his emails to me. I have no idea what was said in the letter to the insurance company. I have also emailed him and asked what was in my medical records and also what he thinks my case is worth and I never get a answer. This is my case and I'm kept in the dark. This is not right! I am mad enough this time around to fire him but I don't want to have to start all over. I am in pain every day and stressed to the max on top of it. I don't need this from my attorney. Any advise?
2007-09-21 08:31:03 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Hey DANIEL, if i didn't know any better I'd swear you were him. Want to know what I think of your answer? Can you read my mind?????
2007-09-21 09:19:49 · update #1
Terminate your representation. Before you do, however, research other attorneys in your area at the link below who handle personal injury cases. DO NOT CONTACT THEM until the day you teminate representation. Tell them you just fired your current attorney because he was rude and demeaning to you. Some will not want to represent you, but most will.
There is no reason to be rude in our profession. It is a sign of unprofessionalism. I'm an attorney
2007-09-21 13:24:12 · answer #1 · answered by mcmufin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, this lawyer sounds like a real piece of work. I actually work with lawyers and let me tell you, if there is a rude lawyer to any of our clients, that lawyer would be booted right off the case! You gather all of your information - reports of any kind, letters, faxes, emails, etc.. from anyone involved in the case including your lawyer. Then take your case to a different lawyer that handles your type of claim. When they agree to accept your case, have them send a letter (certified or some sort of tracking mail system - UPS, FedEx) to all those involved in the case stating that you are no longer needing the services of the previous lawyer and are now using this new lawyer. Make sure your old lawyer gets a copy of the letter (if you use a trackable service, someone has to sign for your letter)! When everyone has received your letter, your old lawyer will hopefully figure it out that he was fired. If not leave him a message saying so! Maybe if he realizes what an *** he was, he won't be such a dick anymore! Good luck!
2007-09-21 08:47:55 · answer #2 · answered by mprokay 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Failure to communicate with clients in a timely manner is one of the chief sources of complaints about attorneys to the disciplinary boards of most states. In some states the disciplinary boards are run by the State Bar Association. In others, they are an office of the Supreme Court. You should check to determine which office regulates the licensing of attorneys in your state.
Next, you need to make an appointment to see him. Be professional and polite. Explain your problems and concerns. If he won't see you, ignores your problems, or continues his same course of action, then you should dismiss him as your attorney.
Before doing that, I would make sure that you have retained another attorney. Find another attorney in that area who practices this specialty, (there are many of them in your phone book, or the local bar association will give you a referral), and then make an appointment. Be candid with the attorney about the fact that you are switching attorneys and why. Some attorneys may not feel comfortable in taking the case, but should be up front about saying so.
After you have retained other counsel, you should then inform your old attorney, in writing, that you have retained other counsel, and you may tell him why. Again, do not rant and rave at him. This can damage your credibility later on. Stick to facts and don't make judgment statements like "total rude jerk". You may percieve him as that, but perception isn't always a reality. If your second attorney resolves your case, your first attorney may present a bill for compensation, based on an hourly rate. He is required to itemize this if required, and will have to produce documentation as to what he actually did for that time.
If, and ONLY IF, you are unable to resolve your differences with him and you have sustained a substantial loss because of it, (i.e. statute of limitations expires, etc), I suggest that you contact your state's disciplinary committee and file a complaint. They are required to investigate and take action if necessary.
For more information in general, contact your local or state bar association.
2007-09-21 10:43:46 · answer #3 · answered by Phil R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to say it, but this is the majority of them how they act.
If you want to fire him, send him a certified letter that he is no longer representing you, and be ready to get a bill in the mail for all the time and expenses he's spent you will be liable for paying.
Alternatively, call his secretary, make an appointment to go see him, and then sit down across from him and force him to get you up to speed on your case file. If you don't like the information you get, tell him to do it right or he's gone.
2007-09-21 08:46:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely your lawyer is working on your case and only gets paid if you win, I am sorry to say you are caught between a rock and a hard place, so you will have to just wait it out.
2007-09-21 08:40:08 · answer #5 · answered by jean 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You sound like a real pain the a**, If I was your attorney I'd fire you. Go ahead and fire him... good luck finding another to take your case... it's a small club.
Just back off and wait until settlement is close. He MUST have you consent to settle.
2007-09-21 08:47:03 · answer #6 · answered by Daniel 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
He will make a deal with the Insurance company for one price, then tell you a lower price. That's why he don't want you to interfere.
2007-09-21 18:41:03 · answer #7 · answered by Steve B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple solution, fire him and get another attorney. You're paying him to work for you and obviously he's not doing that.
War Eagle, BTW.
2007-09-21 08:40:33 · answer #8 · answered by civil_av8r 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Talk to him about how you are dissatisfied with his service. If that doesn't fix it or you don't want to do that, fire him and get another attorney. That is really all you can do.
2007-09-21 08:39:13 · answer #9 · answered by Michael C 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No doubt you are getting services on a contingent basis, so I would stop kvetching and let the man do his work. He doesn't get paid unless you get something, so I'm sure he has your interests at heart.
2007-09-21 08:38:53 · answer #10 · answered by makrothumeo2 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋