Shelton, WA asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Personal Injury for Washington

Q: Can an attorney act interested in your case, but really be working for an insurance adjsuter to get information?

A friend received a phone call from a law firm after 8 months from the date of the accident, which many attorneys have not wanted to represent this person simply due to the fact that there were no physical injuries, but a diagnosis of PTSD, depression and anxiety as a result of a near death or severe injury DUI accident & the fact that it is difficult to win a PTSD case. One would assume that an attorney with some sense would not try to jump into a case 8 months after the accident for the reasons stated above. The insurance co has delayed settling the claim. I am concerned that the adjuster is using any and all tactics to deny the claim or delaying it even longer & has possibly asked an attorney, who contacted my friend, to act interested in the case, in order to obtain info to later deny or continue to delay the claim in order to get info from my friend. Seems odd this firm has not confirmed they will be representing my friend, but continues to communicate w/ her about the case.

1 Lawyer Answer
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Insurance Claims Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your friend's traumatic experience from the accident. It would be best for your friend to confirm with a law firm, whether it's this one or another one, if they are representing your friend. A signed retainer that formalizes representation would eliminate any misunderstanding as to whether there is an actual attorney-client relationship. Good luck

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.