Asked in Personal Injury for Alabama

Q: How can I find out if I was cheated by a lawyer on a settlement

I was supposed to get a 70,000. On the case but only received 26,000

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2 Lawyer Answers
Nelson Craig Johnson
Nelson Craig Johnson
Answered
  • Birmingham, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: Request a settlement statement that details where the money went. I presume the gross settlement amount was $70,000.00 and some portion of that likely went to case expenses, attorney's fees and paying back medical bills or insurance subrogation. However, that is merely a presumption. Your attorney should be able to provide you a detailed breakdown of where each dollar went.

1 user found this answer helpful

Jeffrey G. Blackwell
Jeffrey G. Blackwell
Answered
  • Huntsville, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: In every personal injury case, the client should have full information about their case and settlement. Your lawyer should have discussed the financial issues with you throughout the process so you could make the best decisions possible. At the end of the case, your lawyer should have also provided you a detailed accounting of your settlement. This accounting should have provided full information concerning all the proceeds and how they were distributed. We discuss all these items in detail with our clients. We also provide a full settlement statement.

Unfortunately, some lawyers do not discuss these issues with their clients as they should. You should definitely expect better.

You should request an accounting of your settlement proceeds so you can see how they were distributed. Some part of the settlement likely went to pay expenses and attorneys' fees. Many car accident cases (and other personal injury claims) also involve subrogation claims or liens by healthcare payers. Your lawyer should be able to explain any payments made from your total settlement.

1 user found this answer helpful

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