If you've been paying your lawyers, you may have noticed that one of them took your settlement and didn't account for all the costs. This is definitely a red flag and should be investigated. The good news is that there are ways to get compensation for legal malpractice and find out if your lawyer was at fault. Keep in mind, however, that suing a lawyer for legal malpractice can be difficult and you may need a lot of proof to prove your case.
If you've been harmed in an accident, it's important to weigh the various options before you decide to accept a settlement. There's an old saying that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, and it's a good idea to take compensation now rather than waiting for more money down the road. Remember, too, that insurance companies often play dirty and try to avoid paying their claimants.
If you're getting compensation for an injury caused by another person, you must sign a release form stating that you will allow the insurance company to hold the check until the settlement is finalized. Unless you sign a release form, they will never give you your settlement. As a result, the insurance company will always make the check payable to the attorney and then send it directly to his or her office. Once this step is complete, your lawyer will have the money to cash your check.
Once your escrow account has cleared, the lawyer is legally obligated to give you the money. Typically, your lawyer will write three checks out of the settlement check - one for reimbursement of expenses, another for his or her fees, and a third for your net settlement award. The attorney will also take out a check for any Medicaid or Medicare payments that may come from the settlement. If your lawyer steals your settlement, it could lead to them losing their license or even getting thrown in jail.
Once your attorney has signed the settlement agreement, you cannot back out of it. Once the lawyer has signed the agreement, you are legally bound to it, and he or she has the legal power to answer on your behalf. This means that if you're not familiar with a lawyer, you should stay away from out-of-town firms or lawyers who you've never heard of. If you hire an attorney that you don't know, you'll end up with an unreliable lawyer.
As a result, it's important to hire a personal injury attorney with experience and a track record of success. Not only will they fight for your rights but they'll also keep track of your settlement check. Lawyers can help you through the process. Contact them today for a free case evaluation. Your lawyer will explain the next steps to take in order to protect your legal rights and get you the money you deserve.
