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
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.
3 users found this answer helpful
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.
3 users found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.