http://www.speakstrong.com/newsletter/2006/08/30/an-overloaded-attorney/ By Meryl Runion and SpeakStrong, Inc. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:37:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 http://www.speakstrong.com/newsletter/2006/08/30/an-overloaded-attorney/#comment-398 Kathleen Fri, 13 Oct 2006 13:44:16 +0000 http://www.speakstrong.com/newsletter/2006/08/30/an-overloaded-attorney/#comment-398 A member of my extended family was involved in an auto accident a number of years ago. The other driver was intoxicated and driving a company vehicle without permission. You'd think getting payment for at least medical expenses, auto damages, and lost wages would have been a slam dunk wouldn't you? One passenger's leg was broken. Another passenger sustained some neck & back injuries. But the case dragged on for over 2 years. It finally became clear the attorney had other BIGGER fish to fry and did not want to spend the time necessary to bring my family member's case to a successful conclusion. He ultimately "counseled" my family members to take a settlement amount that did not even cover their medical! The problem is, it is tough to win any kind of litigation with attorneys. They have all the resources, and you will be billed for every contact you have with them. My recommendation would be to formally articulate your complaint in a letter (which you then have time to edit and improve before you present it), clearly stating what you expect from the firm's representation. Then, if you do not get better results, report them to your state's professional governing agency and ask for a referral to a better firm at the same time. A member of my extended family was involved in an auto accident a number of years ago. The other driver was intoxicated and driving a company vehicle without permission. You’d think getting payment for at least medical expenses, auto damages, and lost wages would have been a slam dunk wouldn’t you? One passenger’s leg was broken. Another passenger sustained some neck & back injuries. But the case dragged on for over 2 years. It finally became clear the attorney had other BIGGER fish to fry and did not want to spend the time necessary to bring my family member’s case to a successful conclusion. He ultimately “counseled” my family members to take a settlement amount that did not even cover their medical! The problem is, it is tough to win any kind of litigation with attorneys. They have all the resources, and you will be billed for every contact you have with them. My recommendation would be to formally articulate your complaint in a letter (which you then have time to edit and improve before you present it), clearly stating what you expect from the firm’s representation. Then, if you do not get better results, report them to your state’s professional governing agency and ask for a referral to a better firm at the same time.

]]> http://www.speakstrong.com/newsletter/2006/08/30/an-overloaded-attorney/#comment-260 Barb Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:26:04 +0000 http://www.speakstrong.com/newsletter/2006/08/30/an-overloaded-attorney/#comment-260 I would also incorporate into the script....Is this delay connected to the validity of my case? Although unprofessional, sometimes lawyers don't have the heart to tell a person that there are no grounds for their case. In the beginning, at first blush, there may have been something but upon closer review it is a weak case and they don't want to loose it. If the attorney that is handling the case still does not give any satisfaction, I would schedule an appointment with one of the senior partners with a perpared dateline and the same basic questions. If this person is one of the senior partners, find a different firm. I would also incorporate into the script….Is this delay connected to the validity of my case? Although unprofessional, sometimes lawyers don’t have the heart to tell a person that there are no grounds for their case. In the beginning, at first blush, there may have been something but upon closer review it is a weak case and they don’t want to loose it. If the attorney that is handling the case still does not give any satisfaction, I would schedule an appointment with one of the senior partners with a perpared dateline and the same basic questions. If this person is one of the senior partners, find a different firm.

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